Vol. 479 No. 2
385 Mr. D. Ahern asked the Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications his views regarding recent reports concerning alleged contaminated seas in and around Canada as a result of discharges from Sellafield; the way in which this can be reconciled with views sometimes expressed that the potential contamination of the Irish Sea is not substantial; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12939/97]
I assume that the Deputy is referring to an article in the "New Scientist" publication concerning a report prepared by Mr. Bewers of the Bedford Institute of Oceanography in Halifax, Canada. The full report which, I understand, has yet to be published, refers to the detection of the effects of Sellafield discharges in the Arctic waters of Northern Canada. My Department and the Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland will study this report closely when published.
I have repeatedly stated that any contamination of the Irish Sea by radioactive discharges from Sellafield is objectionable and unacceptable. The RPII, which publishes the results of its marine radioactivity monitoring programme in regular reports has also stated that it is objectionable that contamination of our marine environment from radioactive discharges should result from the operations of nuclear installations.
As the Deputy is probably aware, I am at present particularly concerned about the increased technetium-99 levels in the Irish Sea and I have made representations to the UK authorities in that regard. In addition, Ireland will be represented in London this week at the heads of delegations meeting of the OSPAR Convention on marine pollution of the North East Atlantic, including the Irish Sea. The Irish delegation will be presenting a specific recommendation concerning radioactive contamination of the Irish Sea from Sellafield and calling for the immediate reduction and elimination of technetium-99 marine discharges.
