Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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Question 527: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the progress made in relation to the programme for Government proposal to implement a comprehensive strategic plan to maximise the potential of all non-food crops to benefit the indigenous renewable energy sector here and reduce greenhouse gas emissions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28581/08]

Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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Question 529: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the progress made in relation to the programme for Government proposal to ensure that the development of bio-energy will be of significant benefit to farmers and rural Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28583/08]

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 527 and 529 together.

The potential for using energy crops to produce bioenergy was examined in the Liquid Biofuels Strategy Study published by Sustainable Energy Ireland and in the Report of the Bioenergy Strategy Group published by the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources (DCENR).

The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (DAFF) is implementing the agri related initiatives in the National Bioenergy Action Plan to increase the share of renewable energy derived from the agriculture and forestry sectors. A number of these measures relate to energy crops. DAFF is also participating in a new Bioenergy Working Group, which has been established by DCENR to deliver the bioenergy targets in the Energy White Paper and the Bioenergy Action Plan.

Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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Question 528: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the progress made in relation to the programme for Government proposal to continue to support research in the biofuel and biomass areas in order that Ireland can respond to new opportunities quickly; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28582/08]

Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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Question 530: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the progress made in relation to the programme for Government proposal to further encourage the growing of willow, miscanthus and other crops for biomass; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28584/08]

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 528 and 530 together.

The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (DAFF) supports research into projects in biofuel and biomass through the Research Stimulus Fund Programme. The Programme facilitates research that supports sustainable and competitive agricultural production practices and policies and contributes to a scientific research capability in the agriculture sector. Under Stimulus Calls in 2005, 2006 and 2007, 13 projects relating directly to biofuels and energy crops were awarded total grant assistance of almost € 6.4 million.

In February 2007, DAFF launched a new Bioenergy Scheme to provide 50% establishment grants to farmers to grow miscanthus and willow, subject to a maximum payment of €1,450 per hectare. In addition to establishment grants, farmers who grow willow and miscanthus qualify for the following aid.

The EU Energy Crops Scheme premium (up to €45 per hectare) and the national top- up payment of €80 per hectare. An adjusted REPS 3 payment of €155 per hectare increasing to €189 per hectare in REPS 4, subject to a maximum of 10 hectares per applicant or 25% of the holding, whichever is greater.

Disadvantaged Area Scheme (DAS) payments may be claimed on lands used for the cultivation of energy crops subject to a maximum of 10 hectares per holding. Farmers can qualify for a DAS payment, by way of an adjusted rate of grant consisting of the appropriate DAS amount less the EU Premium available under the EU Energy Crops Scheme. The scheme was well received. The response from growers has been positive with 800 hectares planted in 2007. A further 1,200 hectares were granted pre-planting approval in 2008.