Séamus Pattison
Question:64 Mr. Pattison asked the Minister for Energy if he will give an up to date report on his representations at bilateral and European level, to secure the closure of Sellafield; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Closure of Sellafield.
Since I came into office, I have specifically protested to the UK Government about the planned expansion of reprocessing capacity at Sellafield. This is in addition to the numerous protests made by my predecessors and by my Department in the past. In particular at meetings of the Paris Commission in 1986 and 1987 Ireland put forward resolutions for the closure of Sellafield. Although the resolutions were unsuccessful, many countries indicated support for Ireland's position.
I will continue to make every effort at both bilateral and European fora to put pressure on the UK Government for closure of the plant.