asked the Minister for Energy if he has satisfied himself with the system of radioactive waste disposal in Ireland, in light of the recent report of the Nuclear Energy Board; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
23.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Radioactive Waste Disposal.
1.
asked the Minister for Energy the steps, if any, he proposes to take regarding a recommendation received by him from the Nuclear Energy Board that a nuclear waste disposal site be created in this country; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1 and 23 together. The present arrangements for disposal of radioactive waste arising in Ireland cannot continue indefinitely. My Department and the Nuclear Energy Board are addressing the matter with a view to making more satisfactory arrangements.
Can the Minister tell us if the Government are concerned that the board are saying it is not feasible for some operators to comply with the Nuclear Energy Board's licensing conditions regarding on-site storage of some types of nuclear material because of limited space?
As I stated in my reply, the present position is quite unsatisfactory. Hospitals and laboratories dispose of low level radioactive waste by storage on site. This presents certain problems. High level radioactive waste is returned to the suppliers for disposal. We all acknowledge that some positive action is needed but the question of identifying a site has presented some difficulties. We will continue to work on this problem. In the meantime we are having discussions with the Department of the Environment to see if some initiative can be taken on the disposal of toxic waste.
There is no doubt that the present position is unsatisfactory. Can we expect to see solid proposals emerging from his Department in co-operation with the Department of the Environment by a fixed date to resolve this problem?
I would not like to put a date on it, but this matter will continue to be treated with the utmost urgency. I will keep the Deputy informed.