Joanna Tuffy (Dublin Mid West, Labour)
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Question 123: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if his attention has been drawn to the calls for a review of policies on promotion of biofuels by the UN Secretary General, Ban Ki Moon, due to the risks posed by rising world food prices as well as concerns expressed in relation to the risks of biofuels by the chair of the UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, Dr. Rajendra Pachauri; if he is taking steps to take into account the risk of biofuels and to review commitments in the national climate change strategy, his Department's statement of strategy and the environment heading of the programme for Government, in relation to the mandatory use of biofuel mixes in transport fuels, and minimum requirements of use of biofuels in public service vehicles; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14486/08]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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I am aware that the UN Secretary General, Ban Ki Moon, has called for a full review of international biofuels policy in light of increasing global food prices and food security concerns. I am also aware of the concerns about the environmental impacts of unsustainable biofuels production expressed by Dr. Rajendra Pachavri in the context of climate change.

I welcome the fact that the EU Commission is taking explicit account of concerns about the consequences of unsustainable biofuels development in the context of the proposed Renewable Energy Directive. The Directive proposes a target for all Member States of 10% market penetration of biofuels in transport by 2020. Crucially, the Commission is proposing the adoption of rigorous sustainability criteria for biofuels production and deployment. Our collective objective in the European Union must be to ensure that production and investment in biofuels is fully sustainable worldwide and does not have harmful consequences for developing countries in environmental and food security terms. I fully support the Commission's objective in relation to setting a sustainable framework for biofuels policy, which will see the EU taking a lead in this complex area.

Ireland is working with the Commission and other Member States to deliver an agreed sustainability framework. From our own national perspective I am working with all relevant Ministerial colleagues to ensure that our biofuels targets are met with full regard for sustainability at home and internationally. We will also continue to reflect EU and international developments as they emerge.