Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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Question 92: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the position regarding the European led sustainability criteria in relation to bio-fuels; the way he envisages same being implemented; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10125/10]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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I have been a strong advocate in Europe of the need for sustainability criteria for biofuel imports and production. The development of the 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 sustainability criteria are duly reflected in the Renewable Energy Directive which sets a 10% target for renewable energy in transport for all Member States by 2020. The Commission is finalising its detailed guidance document on the implementation of the sustainability criteria including reporting and verification requirements which will be critical to successful implementation. The Commission's guidelines are expected to be finalised and published later this month. They will be incorporated into the National Biofuels Obligation Scheme to ensure that the Irish biofuels market operates in full accordance with the sustainability standards.