Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 7 Jun 1995

Vol. 454 No. 1

Written Answers. - Conference on the Protection of the North Sea.

Liam Hyland

Question:

95 Mr. Hyland asked the Minister for the Environment if his attention has been drawn to the fact that toxic waste discharge from the Sellafield and Thorp installations is not on the agenda for discussion at the forthcoming North Sea conference; the steps, if any, he intends to take in order to ensure that this matter is raised at the forthcoming conference in view of the recent court decision to grant permission to a group of Irish citizens to take legal action against British Nuclear Fuels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10336/95]

Minister for the Environment (Mr. Howlin)

Ireland has observer status only in relation to the Conference on the Protection of the North Sea and is not, therefore, in a position to influence the conference agenda. I understand that this week's fourth North Sea conference may briefly address the reduction of radioactive discharges from nuclear installations in the North Sea context.

I have arranged for a senior official of my Department to represent Ireland at the conference and to submit a statement which will include reaffirmation of the Government's serious concern about the continued operation of the Sellafield-THORP installations.