Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 184: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food the role of her Department in the Government Green Paper on Energy; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32720/06]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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My Department participated in a number of interdepartmental committees lead by the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources on the development of bioenergy prior to the publication of the Green Paper 'Towards a Sustainable Energy Future for Ireland'. My Department was subsequently in frequent contact with the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources in relation to the development of bioenergy from an agriculture perspective. Indeed, I also discussed the issue directly with my colleague Minister Dempsey. I therefore welcome publication of the Green Paper, which has set a number of ambitious targets to develop Ireland's renewable energy resources to 2020.

As indicated in the Green Paper, a Ministerial Task force has been established to prepare a road map to develop Ireland's bioenergy resources to 2020. I am working closely with my Ministerial colleagues, as part of this Task force, in the preparation of a comprehensive National Bioenergy Action Plan by the end of this year. This will ensure a cohesive approach to the development of this sector across Government Departments, state agencies and relevant stakeholders.