Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 1469: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if his attention has been drawn to the exportation from Ireland of pure plant oil which did not find favour with his Department in the context of alternative energy production; the number of production units currently exporting bio-fuels; his proposal to ensure that such products are retained with maximum benefit to the economy here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2759/08]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 1470: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the reason the pure plant oil production by a company (details supplied) is being exported while it appears emphasis is being placed on the promotion of such alterative energies for use here; his proposals to address this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2760/08]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1469 and 1470 together.

The Biofuels Mineral Oil Tax Relief Schemes were publicly advertised as competitive calls for proposals from producers meeting the criteria laid out in the Guidance Notes relating to the schemes. Under EU State Aids Rules preference could not be given to any participants within the competitive process by virtue of the origin of biofuels feedstocks. There were specific limits on the amount of excise relief available under the various categories in each scheme and this was stipulated in the relevant Guidance Notes. The highest scoring applicants were successful in each competition.

The planned introduction of a Biofuels Obligation in 2009, will require all fuel suppliers to ensure that biofuels represent a certain percentage of their annual fuel sales. By moving to an obligation market players will have long-term certainty to develop projects of economically viable scale. Details of the number of production units exporting biofuels would be a matter for the Revenue Commissioners. These data are not held in my Department.