Martin Ferris (Kerry North, Sinn Fein)
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Question 363: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will make a statement on the environmental benefits and disadvantages of biofuels. [20807/08]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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Transport is one of the fastest growing sectors in terms of greenhouse gas emissions. It is widely acknowledged that transport is one of the most difficult areas in which to affect a reduction in CO2 emissions. Biofuels offer one potential means to counter rising emissions levels in the transport sector. The recent EU proposals setting the biofuel obligation targets for 5.75% in 2010 and 10% by 2020 have included the provision that any new fuels have at least a 35% emissions reduction and have to show that they come from sustainable sources which do not destroy natural habitats. Biofuel production and use will enhance security of supply and contribute to a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. In addition to direct CO2 benefits, biofuels offer opportunities for waste recycling as biofuel production can use this waste oil as a feedstock. The development of a supply line of alternative fuel supplies which would still be available should there be a disruption to essential oil supplies is essential so that we can continue to provide basic services in such circumstances.

Recent events have shown us that biofuels are not without their complexities. The diversion of food crops into biofuel production has been one factor in the recent rise in world fuel prices. There has also been concern that new biofuel production has lead to the conversion of natural forest systems into crop production.

It is for this reason that we will ensure that our expanding use of biofuels must take place within the context of the EU sustainability criteria regime, currently under negotiation.

The European targets will not be pursued in a manner which threatens the long-term food security of the developing world.

By establishing the longer-term targets early, and announcing our intention to move to a biofuels obligation, we aim to create a level of long-term certainty for potential investors, particularly in second-generation biofuels. These new technologies offer the potential to generate fuels from a number of feedstocks which would not be competing with fuel supplies. A public consultation on Ireland's biofuels obligation will be launched shortly and we will be encouraging all stakeholders to input into this process.