Joe O'Reilly (Fine Gael)

I am happy this Bill is being passed. I thank the Minister for his sincerity in responding to our suggestions and engaging in thorough discussions on the amendments we have proposed. We continue to be concerned that every conceivable effort will need to be made in the implementation of this Bill. If we are to give a lifeline to our farmers, encourage domestic processing and create jobs, we will have to use various carrot and stick methods, including regulations and grants, to encourage indigenous production of raw materials for bio-fuels. That was the essential thrust of the amendments we proposed and the comments we made. We support the principle and the purpose of this Bill. I congratulate the Minister on the way he has handled it. It is good that it was initiated in this House. We are very happy about that. I join Senator Walsh in paying tribute to the Minister's officials for their work in this regard. I thank the Minister. I hope we can initiate more legislation of this nature in the Seanad. I am heartened by the Minister's comment that this House is very serious about teasing out legislation and doing a genuine job. We welcome any opportunity to do so.