Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 437: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the number of companies that have so far been approved for bio diesel or bio ethanol produced by way of particular incentive; the degree to which his Department has monitored the production and supply from the companies concerned; if all such companies have in fact produced product; if his attention has been drawn to the concerns that some such companies have produced no products while others have but have not received authorisation under his scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35870/09]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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The Biofuels Mineral Oil Tax Relief Schemes have resulted in 18 projects being awarded excise relief between 2005 and 2010. Of these projects, four are in the biodiesel category, five are in the pure plant oil category, four are in the bioethanol category and five are in the captive fleets category. Since the excise relief schemes were introduced there has been a steady increase in biofuels used in Ireland, albeit from a very low base. Prior to the introduction of the schemes, market penetration of biofuels was almost non-existent. In 2007, penetration was 0.6% and in 2008 penetration had risen to 1.6%.

It would not be appropriate for me to comment on the position of individual companies within the schemes. There have been at least five biofuels plants constructed or redeveloped on foot of excise relief granted under the schemes. A number of others are either at an advanced stage of planning, or have received planning permission. All but two of the projects are currently availing of the excise relief and my Department liaises with all project promoters on a regular basis, and monitors any ongoing oversight of the operation of the programme. The introduction of the Biofuels Obligation in 2010 will provide the Irish biofuels sector with the certainty it needs to invest and grow in a sustainable way.