Cian O'Callaghan
Question:273. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Finance if the Government will reduce taxation on hydrotreated vegetable oil; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35176/23]
View answerThursday, 13 July 2023
Questions (273)
Written answers
The Department of Transport has responsibility for the obligation on suppliers of road transport fuel to include a certain percentage renewable transport fuel in that supply, including HVO used in road transport.
Supporting the supply of renewable energy in transport, the Renewable Transport Fuel Policy 2023-2025 published by the Department of Transport sets out the pathway to the achievement of Climate Action Plan targets; biofuel targets of E10 (Ethanol) in petrol and B20 (biodiesel equivalent) in diesel by 2030. This will support our EU obligations under the Renewable Energy Directives and Fuel Quality Directive.
Furthermore, the Department of Transport made regulations on the 31 March 2023 to authorise the National Oil Reserves Agency (NORA) to issue additional Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation (RTFO) certificates for specified renewable transport fuels, including HVO, to incentivise their supply.
Vegetable oil from oilseed rape could be used as a feedstock for the production of HVO. The Department of Agriculture, Food, and Marine (DAFM) inform me the production of oilseed rape is supported through various measure under the EU Common Agricultural Policy and that they (DAFM) also invest significant resources in the trialling of oilseed rape varieties to identify superior varieties under Irish conditions which will ultimately contribute to increased profitability at farm level.