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Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 26 Jan 1994

Vol. 437 No. 6

Written Answers. - THORP Plant.

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

506 Mr. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications if, in the event of the current legal action for a public inquiry on THORP failing, he will enter the legal fight against THORP on behalf of the Irish Government.

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

508 Mr. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications if data from monitoring of the THORP plant at Sellafield by the RPII to detect sea and air emissions since the THORP plant commenced operations on 17 January 1994 and earlier records could be used as a basis for legal action in British or European Courts against the British Energy Minister, Mr. John Gummer.

I propose to take Questions Nos. 506 and 508 together.

As I have already informed the House, in Private Notice Questions on 16 December 1993, the question of what legal action the Government could now take regarding the THORP plant is being kept under constant consideration and review in consultation with the Attorney General. The Government will maintain diplomatic and international pressure on the British authorities and if the opportunity arises will initiate appropriate legal action but only if there is a sufficiently good chance that such proceedings would succeed.
The question of using data and earlier records from monitoring operations carried out by the Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland, RPII, in any legal proceedings is a matter for the Attorney General. However, operations at THORP are only commencing and it will be some time before any impact might be detected in our environment. According to the institute, it is not expected that the consequences of the normal operation of the THORP plant would be such as to provide a basis for any legal action.
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