David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)
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Question 379: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources further to Parliamentary Question No. 147 of 29 October 2008 the number of submissions his Department received on the recent public consultation document on a proposed bio-fuels obligation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43791/08]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 384: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the extent to which he has incentivised or proposes to incentivise plant oil production for energy purpose; his future intentions in this regard with a view to maximising home production and reducing dependency on imports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43998/08]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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I propose to answer Questions Nos. 379 and 384 together.

The public consultation process in relation to the Biofuels Obligation Scheme has recently been completed and there were over 30 submissions received as part of the consultation process. My Department will now be analysing the submissions with a view to preparing specific details for a final Biofuels Obligation Scheme which will be cognisant of the views expressed by stakeholders. I will bring a proposal to Government in the early part of next year and introduce the necessary legislation required in order that the Biofuels Obligation Scheme can be introduced in January 2010.

As set out in the public consultation document, the Biofuels Obligation Scheme will provide for trading of certificates between suppliers. This is expected to particularly benefit those producers of high blend biofuels, such as 100% Pure Plant Oil (PPO), as they will have surplus certificates to trade with those suppliers bringing lower blends to the market.