Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 2 Apr 1998

Vol. 489 No. 5

Written Answers. - Nuclear Safety Committee.

Brendan Howlin

Question:

16 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Public Enterprise if the Ministerial Committee on Nuclear Safety has met since its first meeting on 5 February 1998; if a blueprint has been drawn up for action by the individual members of the committee; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8368/98]

Minister of State at the Department of Public Enterprise (Mr. Jacob)

There has been no further meeting of the ministerial committee since its first meeting on 5 February. However, that first meeting facilitated a wide ranging discussion on nuclear safety and radiological protection issues which will form part of my Department's and the RPII's work programme. Work is continuing on relevant matters which will be considered by the committee from time to time. My Department is completing its work on the review of the National Emergency Plan and making preparations for the transposition of a major new EU basic safety standards directive to protect the public and workers from the effects of ionising radiation in respect of medical, research and industrial applications.

Another significant aspect of the committee's work is the Government's campaign against Sellafield. Among the issues of relevance are the County Louth residents' court case about which I have replied separately today and bilateral contacts which I, my Department and the RPII are engaged in with the UK about safety matters at Sellafield and the UK nuclear industry generally. Recently my Department have made submissions to the UK authorities in relation to public consultations on modified discharge authorisations at Sellafield and the proposed MOX Plant at Sellafield. In addition, I have recently written to the relevant UK Minister about the storage of high level waste at Sellafield and safety of magnox reactors.

I envisage a further meeting of the committee shortly to update Ministers on progress made since the last meeting and to focus attention on areas where other Departments have an input. I emphasise that the main programme of action would come within my Department's and the RPII's responsibility. However, it is important to consult my ministerial colleagues in relevant areas so that there is an integrated approach to policies spanning a number of Departments. I would highlight the efforts to be made under the OSPAR Convention to halt technetium discharges into the Irish Sea and contacts with other Departments on the basic safety standards directive as examples of where this contribution is vital.