asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if, in view of the reported threat to the Irish Sea from radioactive waste, he will make representations to the British Government to reconsider their decision to build a major nuclear plant at Windscale.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Windscale Nuclear Plant.
2.
No, it is not proposed to make such representations to the British Government. The Government are advised by the Nuclear Energy Board that current radioactivity levels in the Irish Sea do not represent a hazard to the public in this country and that there is no evidence that the proposed new plant at Windscale would do so.
The discharge of radioactive substances from the Windscale plant is subject to British regulations which conform to international radiation protection standards. In addition, the Nuclear Energy Board maintains a close surveillance of radioactivity levels in the Irish Sea. Contact is being maintained with the British authorities to ensure that we are kept fully informed of the situation and that radioactivity levels are kept as low as possible.
Does the Minister not agree this is quite different from the usual question of pollution, or ecological damage, or damage to fish stock? This means possible danger to human life. Does he further agree that an enormous body of opinion in Britain is deeply concerned about British policies in this regard? This was expressed recently in a very big public demonstration. In these circumstances we have a right to protest——
A short question, Deputy, please.
——against the establishment of this Windscale plant with its possible dangers in the Irish Sea.
I agree we have a right to be interested and to express that interest, and even to protest if necessary, as Deputy Browne said. In consequence of that right and our concern, our officials have been in contact very recently at a high level with the appropriate officials in the United Kingdom. We have got assurances which are based, first, on our own technological expertise; secondly, on the technological expertise of the United Kingdom Government, who also have an interest in ensuring that the level of radioactive waste here will be well below any danger to human life or to any fish species; and, thirdly, international standards. I certainly welcome the opportunity which this question gives me to reiterate the Government's concern. The Deputy's concern is one which we share but events will prove that there is not any danger to human life.
I am certain that everything the Minister has said is true, but is not the real danger one which a number of countries have already experienced, that is, the development of what is euphemistically called "an unexpected mishap" at one of those enormous stations and the potential danger to human life? It is these circumstances which have created concern, not only in Great Britain but here in Ireland. This is something on which no expert can give the Minister any worth-while advice.
That is a long statement.
That is the broader question of mishaps generally. I thought the Deputy's question related to radioactive waste.
In the circumstances of a mishap.
Is the Minister aware that the Windscale plant discharges annually several kilograms of plutonium into the Irish Sea? In view of that, would the Minister outline what formal representations have been made to the British Government?
This is just a repetition of the question asked by Deputy Browne. I am calling the next question.
Not only have formal representations been made but formal meetings have been held on this subject at official and expert level.
There will be no further supplementaries on this matter.
Is any attempt to be made on our side to monitor radioactive waste?
Very much so.