asked the Minister for Energy whether he has any further evidence of monitoring work conducted from the public safety viewpoint in connection with uranium exploration in County Donegal.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers - County Donegal Uranium Exploration.
26.
The final results of analysis of samples taken between February 1980 and September 1980 from the scene of uranium exploration in County Donegal have been made available by the Nuclear Energy Board to the Donegal County Council and the North Western Health Board. These results show that prospecting operations associated with uranium exploration do not constitute a radiation hazard. Further samples were taken later in the year and their analysis has confirmed the earlier findings.
The Nuclear Energy Board are continuing to monitor uranium exploration activities in County Donegal through a sampling programme being carried out in collaboration with the Department of the Environment and the Donegal County Council.
Have the Nuclear Energy Board or Donegal County Council a qualified person in permanent attendance to make sure that backfilling is carried out constantly where trenching operations have been necessary in order to conduct the uranium exploration? Let me add my appreciation of the Minister having taken so much trouble in replying to an inquiry of mine on this subject a couple of months ago.
I cannot say offhand whether there is somebody permanently employed with that duty but there is a regular inspection to ensure that that work is carried out.
Is there somebody on the ground, whether employed by the Nuclear Energy Board or by the county council, who is technically competent to assess the risk involved in neglecting to backfill trenches?
I believe the answer is "yes" but I cannot say it with absolute certainty. If the Deputy wishes I shall pursue the matter so as to be able to say with certainty——
I do not say this in any contentious spirit but I think it would be wise for the Minister to do so considering the notorious sensitivity of the subject and the trouble, perhaps ungrounded trouble, which he and his Department, whoever occupies it in future, are likely to encounter unless the public are reassured on matters like this.