Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 27 Apr 1993

Vol. 429 No. 6

Written Answers. - National Emergency Plan for Nuclear Accidents.

Peter Barry

Question:

44 Mr. Barry asked the Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications if his Department has costed the counter-measures involved for the protection of the public in the event of a nuclear accident involving the release of radioactivity to the environment; if these costs were built into the annual Departmental Estimate or if there will be an ad hoc charge; if the counter-measures including evacuation, sheltering, restriction on foodstuffs and water supplies are logistically practicable; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications (Mr. Cowen)

The National Emergency Plan for Nuclear Accidents, published by my Department last October, was drawn up in consultation with the Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland and other Government Departments and agencies such as the Civil Defence, the Garda and observer corps. A copy has been sent to all Deputies.

It is not possible in advance to say what the cost of particular counter-measures would be in the event of a nuclear contingency, no more than it is possible to cost beforehand the measures needed in the event of a national disaster like hurricane or storm damage. It is a hypothetical situation in that any counter-measures to be introduced would depend very much on the location, nature, scale, extent and the longevity of a specific accident and the prevailing weather conditions. The consequences of an accident differ as between the different types of nuclear installations and a distinction may also be made between those accidents where the consequences may affect the whole country and those likely to affect only a limited area. Provision is made in the Estimates for maintaining the preparedness of this country so that we are in a position to respond quickly in the event of a nuclear emergency but not for the consequences of any emergency that might arise. The counter-measures mentioned by the Deputy would only be introduced if it would achieve more good than harm having regard to health, social and economic factors.