Vol. 415 No. 1
263 Mr. Cowen asked the Minister for Energy if, in view of the crucial importance of Bord na Móna to the local economy of County Offaly, which compromises 50 per cent of the total Bord na Móna operation, he will confirm that any pilot scheme to be carried out along the lines of Israel's system per a recommendation of the independent expert committee on the future use of cut-away bog, will in fact be located in County Offaly.
As Minister for Energy, I would have no function in establishing farming pilot schemes along the lines of the Israeli Moshav system.
While I am fully aware of the importance of Bord na Móna's operations to the economy of County Offaly, the position is that it will be a matter for the relevant authorities and/or private interests to consider whether it is appropriate to proceed with such a scheme and also to consider the question of where the scheme might be undertaken.
264 Mr. Cowen asked the Minister for Energy if, in view of (a) the financial position of Bord na Móna and (b) the need for further research in biomass production as recommended by an expert committee on the future of cut-away bogs, any funds can be made available to Bord na Móna to allow for this research to recommence; if funds are available through the EC or through the Department of Industry and Commerce for such research to take place; whether it would be feasible for such reserach to recommence if the existing Bord na Móna research development budget was used to fund it, in view of that semi-State company's position; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The question of allocating funds to research in biomass production is a matter which will have to be considered by the board of Bord na Móna in the context of the other demands on scarce resources.
The board would, of course, explore all avenues of potential funding in the event that it was decided to engage in such research.
