Paul Connaughton Snr (Galway East, Fine Gael)
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Question 104: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the measures he plans to introduce to promote bio-fuel production domestically here in view of the setting of a biofuel content for petrol and diesel target of 4%. [3354/10]

Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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Question 119: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the position regarding the commitment to the biofuels directive; the further position regarding the European led sustainability criteria that was to be finalised in December 2009; the role his Department had in finalising such a criteria; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3417/10]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 104 and 119 together.

The 2009 Renewable Energy Directive has set a 10% target for Renewable Energy in Transport for all Member States by 2020. The approach taken by Ireland to deliver on this target will ensure that there is sustainable development of an Irish biofuels market in line with overall EU biofuel policy criteria.

The introduction of the National Biofuel Obligation this year will underpin delivery of the national biofuel target and the development of the Irish biofuels market. The Biofuel Obligation Bill to give effect to the obligation will be published shortly with a view to its introduction in the Oireachtas in the coming weeks.

The Biofuels Mineral Oil Tax Relief Schemes have already supported the development of indigenous production. Under the Obligation fuel suppliers will be legally required to include an average of 4% biofuels in their overall annual fuel sales. The Obligation, by creating a guaranteed market demand, will of itself stimulate and support the supply of Irish sourced biofuels. It will act therefore as an incentive for market production and give the Irish biofuel industry economic certainty.

The trading of certificates under the Scheme, will also act as an incentive for Irish producers. For each litre of biofuel sold in the market a certificate will be issued by the National Oil Reserves Agency as the Administrator of the scheme. Certificates will also be subject to verification by sellers to demonstrate that they meet the sustainability criteria. Biofuel obligation certificates may be traded among registered operators. I am confident tradability of these certificates will enable small indigenous producers, in particular, to enter the market and develop their businesses.

The development of EU biofuel sustainability criteria regime was overseen by a special "ad hoc" Committee, which comprised all Member States and the Commission. My Department participated in the work of the committee. The criteria are duly reflected in the Renewable Energy Directive, which was agreed by Council and the European Parliament in mid 2009. They will also be an integral part of the National Biofuels Obligation scheme. The Commission is finalising its guidance document on the implementation of the criteria including reporting and verification requirements. These will also be reflected in into the National Obligation Scheme.