Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 28 Jan 1997

Vol. 473 No. 6

Written Answers. - High Court Action.

Trevor Sargent

Question:

292 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications if he will request the Attorney General to consult with the legal team of STAD currently progressing a case against Sellafield to ascertain if the increased levels of technetium-99 may be introduced into this case. [2121/97]

Dermot Ahern

Question:

296 Mr. D. Ahern asked the Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications the current position regarding the State becoming a corespondent in the current High Court action against BNFL re THORP or that the State would take over the running of the case; his views as to which would be the more preferable and efficient route in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2056/97]

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

I propose to take Questions Nos. 292 and 296 together.

The State's general approach to the current High Court action against BNFL by the County Louth residents was outlined in the Minister for the Environment's answer to Questions Nos. 28, 53, 71 and 120 of 13 November 1996. This approach still stands.

The interdepartmental working group referred to in the Minister's reply is continuing to assemble and provide the County Louth residents with all available documentation in order to assist them in their case against BNFL.

As to the question of technetium-99 I have taken a number of recent initiatives relating to this matter as set out in my replies to Questions Nos. 580 and 583 of 22 January 1997. The issue of legal action in relation to this matter does not arise at present but, of course, will be kept under review.