Vol. 471 No. 2
125 Mr. D. Ahern asked the Minister for the Environment if he will give an update of the Government's moves against Sellafield arising from the latest inter-Departmental committee meeting on the issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20642/96]
Following the recent Supreme Court decision to allow the case taken by the County Louth residents against BNFL to be heard in the Irish Courts, I convened a meeting of the Ministerial Group on Sellafield and the Irish Sea on 31 October. As a result of this meeting, I brought proposals to Government leading to the Government's decision to offer State financial assistance and other support to the residents in respect of specific items of scientific investigation, research and other work to be identified; and seek agreement for the removal of the State as the defendant from the action.
In order to advance these matters, I will arrange to meet the County Louth residents at an early date.
The Government has also decided to establish an interdepartmental working group subordinate to the ministerial group to examine all available evidence, and to explore and assemble all further evidence, with a view to supporting effective action against the risks posed to the population of Ireland by the installations and operations at Sellafield.
