asked the Minister for Energy if he has noted the contents of a publication entitled Peat and Bioenergy circulated by the Embassy of Finland; and if so, if he will indicate to the House the action he proposes to take to restore Ireland's position as the world prime peat producer.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Peat Production.
14.
Yes, I have noted the contents of Peat and Bioenergy the Finnish publication on energy technology. We are not and cannot be the largest producer of peat in the world. Russia holds that distinction and with an annual production figure well over ten times that of Ireland, her nearest rival, is likely to maintain prime position for a long time to come.
Ireland, however, has for many years been to the fore in the development of peat resources and associated technology. Through Bord na Móna, we have always maintained close contacts with developments in other major peat producing countries such as Russia and Finland. In addition, Bord na Móna, acting in a consultancy capacity, are closely involved in peat production in a number of countries including Burundi, Zaire, Senegal and Indonesia.
Would the Minister not agree that, while they have spread their wings far afield, many areas in this country could use the very good advantages and experience that Bord na Móna technical staff have to assess the viability of bogs even though they may be only a few thousand acres and decide the best system of operation to exploit them?
Obviously, Bord na Móna have an ongoing programme and I am satisfied at this stage that they have the capacity to give the consultancy expertise abroad which I have just outlined. That does not detract in any way from the ongoing programme which they themselves have.
Would the Minister not agree that they should make available to local authorities who have fairly substantial tracts of turbary within their boundaries their knowledge and expertise? Would the Minister not agree also that the Turf Development Act, 1981, has not made the impact necessary to have those bogs developed to their full potential?
I am convinced that Bord na Móna still have the capacity to cope with the Deputy's query. If he feels that any local authorities or agencies are not getting the type of results or response they want from Bord na Móna in relation to their queries I would appreciate if he would let me know of that. I believe that Bord na Móna have the ongoing capacity to cater for full development of our natural peat resources as well as to offer consultancy capacity and consultancy services abroad. In relation to the Turf Development Act, 1981, perhaps there is scope for more development. It is a matter of assessing it on a regional basis throughout the country to see what has been taken up, and we are doing that.
Would the Minister not agree that the Turf Development Act, 1981, has been found to have many defects in so far as to qualify for the maximum grant aid for development, those bogs have to be co-operatives and that is curtailing individuals? A number of bogs in north Monaghan are on three or four hills where it is impossible to have the type of co-operation which would allow them to avail of the maximum grant. This matter should be re-examined and every application treated on its merits as to whether it should qualify for a larger grant than the small grant to individuals.
The programme under the Bill has been working out successfully throughout the country.
In places.
That is a matter of judgment. From my experience in the south it seems to have been working very satisfactorily between co-ops and private individuals. If the Deputy has any particular case in mind I will discuss it with him and deal with it, on its merits. I believe all legislation needs to be looked at from time to time.
In view of the fact that bog development schemes are bigger than former local authority bog drainage schemes will the Minister make more money available for the scheme in question? The estimate for the scheme is very big.
I will have a look at the matter. The Deputy's specific query is somewhat removed from the context of the question before the House.
Will the Minister tell the House if Bord na Móna have completed their research into the possibility of using biomass and when can we expect the results to be published?
That is a separate question from that dealt with in today's Order Paper.
It is part of the overall position in regard to energy usage.
It is a separate question. I have to allow my Minister of State to answer some questions.
The Minister does not know anything about the matter and that is why he refuses to answer my question.