Vol. 437 No. 2
151 Miss Flaherty asked the Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications if, in relation to the 27 incidents of a radiological nature reported by the UK authorities since 1989 to date, he has satisfied himself that the information has to be confidential; if there is any evidence that any particular installation is more prone than other to incidents; and whether Sellafield is a major contributor to the number of incidents.
Very detailed information arising from reporting of incidents to my Department by the UK Department of the Environment has to be on a confidential basis in order to ensure that the wishes of the UK authorities in this regard are respected. I am satisfied with this arrangement as it provides us with a full, frank and uninhibited disclosure of information which can then be quickly assessed and monitored by the Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland as to its implications, if any, for this country and the putting into action of any necessary protective measures.
