asked the Minister for Industry, Commerce and Energy if he will state, in the context of the Government's consideration of a decision relating to a nuclear-powered plant for this country, the arrangements that have been considered with regard to the disposal of radioactive wastes.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Radioactive Waste Disposal.
17.
In the event of Government approval for the inclusion of a nuclear power station in the ESB generation plant programme, the ESB will be under an obligation to satisfy the requirements of the Nuclear Energy Board regarding the safe disposal of radioactive waste.
Is it likely we will have a decision in the immediate future? Has consideration been given to the fundamentally important question from the health point of view of the disposal of radioactive waste, and would the Minister say the kind of consideration that has been given to it?
A Government decision on this is imminent. Various inquiries have been made and a decision will be given in the near future. Obviously the question of radioactive waste has arisen and some thought has been given to it. The NEB might require that the fuel contractor would take back the spent fuel from the reactor.
If the decision is imminent, obviously consideration has been given to the disposal of waste. But do I interpret correctly the Miniser as saying that it is possible the Government might pass off the responsibility for insuring public safety in some way to the contractor? Does the Minister agree that in the Irish Sea there is at present only Windscale, that that might be the area at which the Government might want to dispose of the waste, and would he accept that as satisfactory?
I do not accept the suggestion about Windscale. Under an order made by the then Minister for Transport and Power, under the provisions of section 6 of the Nuclear Energy Act, 1971, which order came into effect in July 1977 the custody, use, disposal and so forth of fuel or such other radioactive substance or devices, including radioactive waste products, are prohibited save under licence issued by the Nuclear Energy Board as an agent for the Minister.
That does not answer my question. I only asked for information in regard to the disposal of waste. Is it not fair to assume that the Minister has a fairly solid idea of where the waste would be dumped?
I gave one example of the sort of thinking going on. Any other decisions will be by the NEB and we can assume they will look after the interests of the country.
I would not assume that. I would advise the Minister not to pass it off in that way.
Before I call on Deputy Ruairí Quinn to ask a supplementary question I must point out that a question does not necessarily mean that one can raise every aspect of the matter just referred to. We must be specific, otherwise we will not reach those questions for which many Members are waiting for answers.
On a point of order. I addressed my remarks totally to the disposal of waste.
The Minister said that a decision was imminent. Can I take it that that decision will be made in the absence of a public inquiry?
Yes, unless the decision on Carnsore Point has been made by the Wexford County Council in the meantime, and the Minister for the Environment together with the planning board have ordered an oral inquiry on the planning application.
Do I take it from the Minister's reply that if the decision is imminent there will be no public inquiry, that the Government will make a decision on the whole question of nuclear energy in advance of any public inquiry?
The Deputy can take what he likes from it.
Is that what is meant? I am not trying to trick the Minister or anything.
If Wexford County Council make a decision in the meantime, and the planning board together with the Minister for the Environment nominate an oral hearing, that may happen prior to the Government making a decision, but at this stage there are no plans for other public inquiries.
I am sorry to be labouring the point, but we are seeking information about a very major financial investment. Do I take it from the reply that the decision of the Wexford County Council on the planning merits or demerits of a nuclear power installation will determine the Government's policy with regard to the investment of £¼ billion?
No.
That is the only form of public inquiry that is envisaged at the moment.
Yes.
In regard to the reference to the Wexford County Council which the Minister made, it is true as reported today that the Minister, Deputy O'Malley has refused to see a deputation from the Wexford County Council?
(Interruptions.)
That is a separate question. It has nothing to do with the matter on the Order Paper.
How can I answer that?
Is it a fact that if the Government decide in principle on a nuclear power station they can overrule the Wexford County Council? Do the Government intend to exercise that power?
The Government have not got that power. The decision is reached in the normal fashion under the planning application.
(Interruptions.)
Will the Minister agree that State agencies do not have to go through the normal planning procedures?
That is another question altogether.
(Interruptions.)
Before the Minister answers the next question, might I ask him to speak a little slower? I find it very hard to pick up what he is saying at the speed at which he is talking.
Question No. 18.