We all recognise the scale of the challenge facing the transport sector as we work to meet our climate obligations and, obviously, heavy goods vehicles are among the most difficult parts of that sector to decarbonise. Electrification is progressing but it is not yet a realistic option for the majority of those long-haul operators. It is in that spirit that I ask the Tánaiste to clarify what can be done from the Government's point of view with regard to support for hydrotreated vegetable oil, HVO, as a transition fuel for the haulage sector. It can reduce emissions by up to 65% when it is sustainably sourced. It works in existing diesel engines with no modifications needed and is blended with diesel and used in heavy transport in the Netherlands, Finland, Italy and the UK. Major manufacturers like Volvo, Scania, MAN and Mercedes Benz use HVO in their engines. Hauliers especially face increased climate compliance costs, and HVO offers an immediate and practical pathway to lower their emissions without any new vehicles or infrastructure. Could the Tánaiste indicate what steps might be taken to encourage the use of HVO and to assist this sector in its decarbonisation goals?

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