Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 16 Dec 1997

Vol. 485 No. 2

Written Answers. - BNFL Court Case.

Michael Bell

Question:

10 Mr. Bell asked the Minister for Public Enterprise the meetings, if any, she has had with the Dundalk residents group who propose suing British Nuclear Fuels Limited for damages to Irish citizens arising from the operation of the Sellafield nuclear complex; the agreement, if any, she has reached with the group in relation to the level of funding and other assistance to be provided to them; if provision has been made in the Estimates for these payments; if the group has agreed to remove the Irish State as a defendant in their case; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22775/97]

Eamon Gilmore

Question:

14 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Public Enterprise to outline the current position regarding discussions with STAD on the proposed funding by the Government of the High Court case against British Nuclear Fuels Limited; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22725/97]

Minister of State at the Department of Public Enterprise (Mr. Jacob)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 10 and 14 together.

The Deputies will be aware that the Government has offered a revised package of assistance to the residents relating to research activities mainly. I have met with the residents on several occasions and have discussed with them the nature of this offer. By mutual agreement with the residents, I do not believe it helpful to comment further on the details of the discussions at this stage.

As regards the provision for payments to the residents, my Department is making the necessary budgetary arrangements to facilitate the early payment of funds that have been agreed with the residents. A Supplementary Estimate for my Department which included provision for such payments has been considered by the Select Committee on Public Enterprise and Transport and has been referred to the Ceann Comhairle for Dáil approval.