Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 21 Feb 1995

Vol. 449 No. 4

Written Answers - European Nuclear Safety Inspectorate.

Máirín Quill

Question:

31 Miss Quill asked the Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications the occasions on which he has raised at EU meetings the question of establishing a European nuclear safety inspectorate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3757/95]

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

There has not been a meeting of the Energy Council of Ministers since the formation of the Government and so I have not had an opportunity to raise any issues in that forum.

I understand that previous Governments did seek the establishment of an independent European inspection force which would cover all aspects of safety related to nuclear plants. It was not possible to progress the proposal as it was not acceptable to the vast majority of member states.

In view of the opposition of these member states, it would be very difficult to make progress on the establishment of a European inspectorate. Nevertheless, it is essential that the operations of nuclear installations are sufficiently transparent to ensure that the highest safety standards are observed. I will do my utmost to ensure that only the highest safety standards prevail and that they are observed.