Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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Question 422: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will review the rules for the bioenergy grant scheme to allow those farms where there is a certified growth failure to exit the scheme before the six year deadline. [20766/11]

Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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Question 423: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the success rates for the growth of miscanthus based on those participating in the bioenergy grant scheme on an annual basis since its inception. [20767/11]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 422 and 423 together.

Under the Terms and Conditions of the Bioenergy Scheme, a grant is paid towards the cost of establishing the bioenergy crop. The same rate of aid is provided for willow and miscanthus. Applicants must give an undertaking that they will adequately maintain and manage the crop (as a biomass crop grown for bioenergy) for a minimum of 7 years. Details of annual growth rates achieved by those farmers who were grant-aided are not monitored by the Department. The Bioenergy Scheme was designed to encourage the planting and establishment of crops and payment of the grant was not dependent on the achievement of minimum yields.

I am aware that some farmers who received grant aid under the 2007–2009 Bioenergy Scheme for the planting of miscanthus, have reported difficulties with yields and consequential low returns. My Department is now investigating these reports and also considering the experience of other farmers under the scheme.