John Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)

I thank the Senators for their contributions to what has been a constructive and open discussion. I look forward to their assistance in bringing the Bill forward. I welcome the Senators' broad support for the provisions of the Bill, especially those relating to safety and to the development of the single electricity market.

Senators on both sides of the House were at one on the issue of bio-fuels. Senators Kenneally and MacSharry referred to sourcing wood pellets. I understand that a new company in Carlow may be about to set up soon to produce wood pellets, which would be helpful. As all the Senators pointed out, the supply of wood pellets depends on a company from outside the State which is doing a reasonably good job. It announced recently, however, that there would be no new wood pellet supplies until early in the new year, which would cause problems.

Senator Fergal Browne mentioned bio-fuels and we must be aware that last year the Minister for Finance substantially increased the excise exemption limit to 163 million litres. The Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources announced 16 projects to take up this exemption which is a move in the right direction. The Minister for Finance will consider what changes he can make in that area in this year's budget.

Senator O'Toole will, I am sure, make a submission to the Green Paper, the closing date for which is 1 December, next Friday, on nuclear fusion, hydrogen, micro-hydro systems and solar panels in all new houses to be built from now on. I remind the Senators that the greener homes grant scheme announced by the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources makes grant aid available for solar panels and biomass and several other areas. The public has displayed significant interest in these schemes. The Minister will consider rolling out more such schemes soon.

I thank the Senators for their contributions and look forward to the completion of the Bill on Committee Stage when I am sure there will be amendments on some of the issues raised in the debate so far.