Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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Question 23: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the position regarding Ireland's commitment to the biofuels directive; the outcome of the public consultation process here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35509/09]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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The Government is committed to the sustainable development of an Irish biofuels market in line with overall EU biofuel policy developments. Transport is one of the fastest growing sectors in terms of greenhouse gas emissions and biofuels offer one potential means to counter rising emissions levels in the sector.

The introduction of the National Biofuel Obligation next year will underpin delivery of the national biofuel target and will take full account of EU biofuels legislation. Following the public consultation undertaken last year, my Department has been progressing the detailed work on the Biofuel Obligation Scheme. In July, the Government approved the draft Heads of Bill for the introduction of the Biofuel Obligation and the priority drafting of the required legislation is currently being progressed. The objective is to introduce the Obligation by mid 2010. The National Biofuels Obligation will also integrate the EU Sustainability Criteria as soon as these are finalised. Under the Obligation fuel suppliers will be required to include 4% biofuels in their overall annual fuel sales. The Obligation will provide a long-term market based framework for the development of the biofuels sector in Ireland.