asked the Minister for Energy the new measures he proposes to take in respect of discharges from Sellafield, in view of the failure of all measures taken to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
71.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Sellafield Reprocessing Plant.
51.
asked the Minister for Energy the steps taken and the future proposals made by his Department in order to highlight the problem of Sellafield and its implications for the Irish people; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 51 and 71 together.
On 19 November last, in response to a number of questions on this matter I outlined in detail to the House the action taken by me in pursuit of the Government's objective to have the Sellafield reprocessing plant closed down and the waste on site stored in a manner that will not pose a threat to the international environment.
The UK authorities have the ultimate responsibility in this regard and the only course of action open to us, therefore, is to put pressure on them to have Sellafield closed. I have done this, both bilaterally and in appropriate international fora, and I will continue to press for its closure at every opportunity.
Ireland has submitted a recommendation that Sellafield should be closed for consideration at the meeting of the Paris Commission to be held next month. The Irish delegation will stress that closure is the only option that will fully safeguard the environment and will seek the broadest support for this recommendation.
The Minister should have the courage of his convictions and take the British to court.