Vol. 474 No. 5
85 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications the action, if any, the Government intends to take in relation to the complex at Sellafield in view of the research published in the current edition of the British Medical Journal on the link between swimming in waters around the smaller comparable French nuclear reprocessing complex at Cap La Hague, Normandy, and increased levels of childhood leukaemia. [3350/97]
The recently established inter-departmental working group which reports to the ministerial group on Sellafield will examine all available evidence, with a view to supporting effective action against the risks posed to the population of Ireland by the installations and operations at Sellafield. The implications of the report relating to Cap La Hague will form part of the work of this group.
I would, however, draw the Deputy's attention to the recently published report by the Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland entitled "Radioactivity Monitoring of the Irish Marine Environment 1993 to 1995". The report states that the levels of radioactive contamination of the Irish Sea do not justify misgivings on health grounds about swimming or engaging in any other activity in or near the sea along the east coast of Ireland. Such findings, however, do not in any way affect the Irish Government's continued opposition to any radioactive contamination of the Irish Sea caused by Sellafield.
I can assure the Deputy that the Government is being active and purposeful in dealing with all Sellafield matters. I would refer the Deputy to my response in the House on the Adjournment yesterday concerning UK Nirex, in the course of which I indicated that I had sought a meeting with the British Ambassador concerning the UK nuclear industry.
