24/05/10

Labour Party Spokesperson on Agriculture & Food, Seán Sherlock TD has tabled an amendment to the Bio-Fuels obligation bill to ensure that Irish Oil Refineries will be partly stocked with Irish ethanol instead of cheaper Brazilian imports

Deputy Sherlock has sought the introduction of a tariff on Brazilian oil imports in a bid to give Irish growers the competitive edge in the bio-fuel market which he claims will in turn generate jobs.

"I have tabled an amendment to the bill that seeks to introduce a tariff on imports from countries such as Brazil. This is to promote local production in Ireland of renewable energy sources particularly in rural areas where a number of farmers are seeking to kickstart a local ethanol industry. Local ethanol production means local jobs. Whitegate is full of imported ethanol at present in anticipation of this legislation. Our view is simple, place a tariff on imports and create an incentive for local ethanol producers to compete.

"If our amendments were accepted by the Minister it will lead to production facilities looking to local farmers for raw materials. In making the right provisions the Bio-Fuel Bill presents an opportunity to create jobs here in Ireland while also meeting our obligations in terms of renewable energy targets.

 

 

"While the Minister was reluctant to accept our amendments at committee stage, I am confident that a regulation will be introduced to allow local producers benefit in the longer term. What we don't want is a situation whereby the oil refinery in Whitegate is full of imported ethanol from Brazil when it can be produced right here."

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