Alan M. Dukes
Ceist:96 Mr. Dukes asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry the proposals, if any, he has to encourage the production in Ireland of alternative fuels based on vegetable oils.
Written Answers. - Alternative Fuels.
The production of alternative fuels is a matter for the Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications. However, my Department has a significant interest in this area arising from the recent reform of the Common Agricultural Policy which allows for the growing of tillage crops for non-food purposes on set-aside land. Preliminary figures available from this year's arable area aid applications indicate that a total of 34,907 hectares has been set-aside.
The production of biofuels from crops grown on this set-aside land is permitted under the EU rules and accordingly I am anxious to see some developments in this area which would provide additional opportunites for our tillage farmers.
My Department has been active in this area through the Biomass Committee established last year by the Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications, with the support of my Department, to consider the potential energy use of biomass and biofuels. Recently officials of my Department have had discussions with a number of companies who are examining the possibility of developing a biofuel industry here.