Motor Fuels

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 7 March 2012

Wednesday, 7 March 2012

Ceisteanna (128)

Liam Twomey

Ceist:

132 Deputy Liam Twomey asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will outline the pathway for mandate increases of biofuel at the forecourt from the existing level of 4.166% — the overall level the mandate must reach is 10% by 2020; if he will outline this pathway in view of the fact that it would enable indigenous manufacturers to plan the extension of their existing processing plants and hopefully create more indigenous employment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12941/12]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources (Deputy Pat Rabbitte)

The Biofuel Obligation Scheme, which commenced on 1 July 2010, set a penetration rate for biofuel in the road transport fuel market of 4% by volume. It is planned that the obligation rate set will be increased in stages so that by 2020 it will be at 10.5%. Currently, I am considering implementing the first increase to the Biofuel Obligation from 2013. In doing so, I will take into account the ability of both the motor fuel industry and our transport fleet to adapt to the change as well as the impact the increase will have on consumers. Any decisions to increase the Obligation in 2013 and subsequent years will be made well in advance of the implementation date to give all stakeholders sufficient time to prepare. There will be full consultation on any such proposals.