Matt Brennan
Question:28 Mr. M. Brennan asked the Minister for the Environment whether the ministerial committee on Sellafield, of which he is chairman, has met to discuss the STAD case. [20791/96]
Written Answers. - Legal Action Against BNFL.
Dermot Ahern
Question:53 Mr. D. Ahern asked the Minister for the Environment whether he will agree in principle to fund the case against British Nuclear Fuels Limited regarding Sellafield; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20820/96]
Ivor Callely
Question:71 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for the Environment the consideration, if any, which has been given in respect of supporting locally based groups in the Dublin area which intend to take action against the British Government's operation of its nuclear industry; the consideration, if any, which has been given to the view that the Irish Government should take the necessary action with the support of locally based groups; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20945/96]
Eoin Ryan
Question:73 Mr. E. Ryan asked the Minister for the Environment the implications, if any, of the Seanad resolution of 30 October 1996, calling for acceptance in principle that the Government should back the STAD case. [20793/96]
Ivor Callely
Question:120 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for the Environment the level of support that will be made available to the four County Louth residents who are taking court action against British Nuclear Fuels Limited; if he will reimburse all financial expenditure and ensure that all the necessary resources will be made available to ensure the case against British Nuclear Fuels Limited will be successful; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21211/96]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 28, 53, 71, 73 and 120 together.
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, the Minister convened a meeting of the Ministerial Group on Sellafield and the Irish Sea on 31 October. As a result of this meeting, the Minister 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.
The ministerial group has already met with the County Louth residents to explore how to advance these matters and communication with the residents will continue.
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.
In view of the course of action now being pursued by the Government with the aim of ensuring that the County Louth residents are in a position to present the best possible case against BNFL, it is not intended at this stage to offer similar facilities for other possible similar private actions.