With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 167 and 168 together.
The following table sets out the quantities of radioactive waste dumped over the last five years and the countries of origin.
Year
|
Weight (Gross Tonnes)
|
U.K.
|
Switzerland Netherlands Belgium
|
1978
|
8,040
|
2,080
|
5,960
|
1979
|
5,415
|
2,013
|
3,402
|
1980
|
8,391
|
2,693
|
5,698
|
1981
|
9,435
|
2,517
|
6,918
|
1982
|
11,693
|
2,697
|
8,996
|
The material being dumped is embedded in concrete, in steel drums. Approximately 90 per cent of the total weight represents concrete and steel. The remaining 10 per cent comprises contaminated material and less than 0.01 per cent of this comprises the contaminating radioisotopes. The material does not contain high level radioactive nuclear waste, the dumping of which is prohibited.
I am advised by the Nuclear Energy Board that the dumping as carried out up to the present does not constitute a hazard to health.
The Irish delegation to the forthcoming London Dumping Convention will endeavour to have the dumping discontinued and will support a proposal to that effect.