Vol. 489 No. 5
33 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Public Enterprise the position regarding discussions with STAD on the proposed funding by the Government of the High Court cases against British Nuclear Fuels; if the group has agreed to remove the Irish State as a defendant in its case; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8385/98]
I refer the Deputy to my answer to Questions Nos. 70 and 131 of the 24 February 1998.
The County Louth residents submitted their statement of claim to the High Court on 9 March last. In it Ireland and the Attorney General are named as first and second defendants.
The Government's offer to the residents, including the issue of the removal of the State as co-defendent, is still under discussion with them and their representatives. The Deputy will appreciate that these discussions are, by mutual agreement, being carried out in a confidential manner. However, I assure the House that every effort is being made to progress matters as quickly as possible.
