asked the Minister for Energy if he has sought any EEC subvention to assist in the exploitation and research into a more varied application of turf as an energy resource for domestic and industrial purposes.
Written Answers. - Energy Sources.
8.
No subvention has been requested from the EEC for research into a more varied application of turf as an energy source.
Peat fuel as produced by Bord na Móna for domestic and industrial uses is in the form of machine turf and briquettes. These forms are considered by the board to be the most suitable for the efficient and economical use of turf as an energy resource for such purposes and in the board's view will continue to be so in the future.
I understand from the National Board for Science and Technology that they have applied to the EEC for aid towards a project intended for peat harvesting machinery for use on smaller bogs where, at present, harvesting is unmechanised and costly.
12.
asked the Minister for Energy the current and future Government policy in relation to the use of liquid petroleum gas as an energy source; the percentage of total energy consumption contributed by this fuel; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Liquid petroleum gas accounted for about 2 per cent of total primary energy consumption in this country in 1979. I am well aware that this small percentage figure disguises the importance of this fuel in certain uses, particularly for domestic cooking and heating, and I am keeping in close contact with the industry here regarding the immediate supply situation and future prospects for the industry.
The immediate prospects for supplies is satisfactory but, as with other oil products, supplies and prices of liquid petroleum gas are subject to fluctuations as a consequence of the unsettled situation of the oil market generally. The availability and price of this product in the long term must therefore give cause for some concern and I will be considering what can be done to achieve a greater degree of security of supply.