Skip to main content
Normal View

Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 2 May 1979

Vol. 313 No. 12

Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Nuclear Energy Policy.

18.

asked the Minister for Industry, Commerce and Energy if he has under consideration any review of nuclear energy policy since the Harrisburg disaster; if representatives from his Department have held consultations with the US authorities and if he is satisfied that waste disposal and the safety aspects of reactor operations need review in the wake of this disaster.

A review of nuclear energy policy is not relevant in this particular context since the arrangements which I announced on 24 February 1979 are such as to encompass all developments in the nuclear field up to the point at which decisions are to be taken.

The Nuclear Energy Board has the statutory function of advising me on nuclear energy and matters connected therewith.

The situation regarding all aspects of nuclear energy which might have relevance to Ireland is constantly being reviewed and updated by the board in the light of developments in the nuclear industry throughout the world. Ireland also participates in, and has access to, expert assessments carried out by the EEC, the Nuclear Energy Agency of the OECD and the International Atomic Energy Agency.

The Nuclear Energy Board has been in direct contact with the American authorities and has received daily reports of the events at Harrisburg throughout the incident.

Waste disposal and the safety aspects of reactor operations are being continuously reviewed and any new information that is brought to light as a result of the inquiry into the Harrisburg incident will be given the fullest consideration.

Does the Minister see any basis for a review in the light of the Harrisburg disaster? Is he aware that several governments have sent representatives to have on-the-spot consultations?

The NEB have sent their officials to Pennsylvania, and the ESB are making arrangements to be represented at the inquiry which the US authorities will be holding shortly.

In the wake of these reports, is it contemplated that there may be a switch in policy here?

Not necessarily.

But it is possible?

I suppose it is possible, but I do not think it is likely on the basis of the information available to us at the moment.

So the Minister has an open mind on it.

Top
Share