Terry Leyden (Fianna Fail)

I welcome the Minister of State with responsibility for science and technology, Deputy Conor Lenihan, to the House and commend him on his work in this area. He is the right man in the right place at the right time.

I commend Senator O'Malley on her wonderful green speech. She is more green than the Green Party Members, which is a wonderful tribute to her. I was very impressed by her contribution.

This motion welcomes the Government initiative to introduce a bio-fuel obligation scheme in July 2010. I have a few questions which the Minister of State may or may not be able to answer. The Minister, Deputy Ryan, referred to electric vehicles, the development of which is an important initiative being undertaken by the ESB. In regard to the harnessing of hydrogen, the Minister has taken an interest in a project presented to him by an individual during the Fianna Fáil think-in at the Hodson Bay Hotel in September. The Minister has been extremely helpful to this man in working out his proposal. The Minister has a very open mind on these issues. The potential of hydrogen is unlimited if it can be harnessed. I have an open mind on this and I have been encouraging the young man involved. He had entered into detailed studies and research with some eminent people in this field. It is a very exciting area of alternative fuels.

In regard to bio-fuel production, I note that the Minister made the point that he would rule out using bio-fuel produced on land of biodiversity value, including primary forests, highly biodiverse grasslands and wetlands. Additionally, there is a substantial reporting requirement on the European Commission in terms of the effects bio-fuel production is having on social conditions and employment terms. That is an important consideration.

I do not see any advisers present which means the Minister of State may not be able to answer all my questions. Will a separate pump be required in forecourts to provide the bio-fuel or will the fuel be mixed separately before it is delivered to the forecourt and then used in regard to diesel and petrol? Will there be a blending of the bio-fuel with diesel and the petrol?