Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 5 Dec 1996

Vol. 472 No. 5

Written Answers. - Sellafield Nuclear Plant.

Dermot Ahern

Question:

30 Mr. D. Ahern asked the Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications if he will use the remaining months of his Presidency of the EU to ensure that all actions are taken to close Sellafield nuclear plant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20160/96]

Minister of State at the Department of Transport, Energy and Communications (Mr. Stagg)

I refer the Deputy to my answer to Questions Nos. 86 and 87 of 24 October 1996 which have clearly set out this Government's position in relation to Sellafield.

As Minister of State with responsibility for nuclear safety, I have availed of all opportunities to highlight the Government's and Irish people's concerns about Sellafield both bilaterally and at wider international level. My main concerns include the reprocessing of spent nuclear fuel at the THORP plant at the Sellafield complex, the ageing magnox reactors at the site and the facilities for the storage of high level radioactive liquid waste.

During my term of office I have placed strong emphasis on enhancing the international regulatory framework governing the production of nuclear power. Even if such enhancements do not lead to the closure of nuclear operations in the UK they at least impose more rigorous standards on the nuclear industry. They also make operators and regulators more accountable for their activities. In July of this year, Ireland ratified the Nuclear Safety Convention which entered into force on 24 October last. Ireland has urged that member states of the EU and the International Atomic Energy Agency should ratify the convention as quickly as possible.

The Irish delegation has been prominent during the Presidency in preparatory drafting work for a new international convention in nuclear waste and spent fuel management which should be completed early next year.

Officials within my Department have recently requested the European Commission to carry out inspections and verifications of the facilities of magnox reactors in the UK under Article 35 of the Euratom Treaty so as to ensure that they are in compliance with EU standards.

It is clear that there is widespread opposition in this country to all operations in Sellafield. The Government is committed to taking all possible action open to it to secure the objective of the eventual closure of the plant. However, we must be realistic. Sellafield is a huge employer in Cumbria. So long as the operations at Sellafield make such a large contribution to the UK's economy there will be resistance to any campaign to close the plant. We must also bear in mind that nuclear power has a significant share of UK electricity production.

However, the cessation of activities at Sellafield will remain a priority for the Government and this will be highlighted and pursued in every appropriate international forum. This Government remains committed to using every available opportunity to voice its concerns about safety aspects of the British nuclear industry, especially Sellafield. We will continue to implement a meaningful strategy to minimise the threat posed by the nuclear industry in the UK.