Vol. 491 No. 6
27 Mr. Bell asked the Minister for Public Enterprise the position regarding discussions with STAD on the proposed funding by the Government of the High Court case 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. [12794/98]
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. Further comment would not, therefore, be appropriate at this stage. However, I wish to assure the House that every effort is being made to progress matters as quickly as possible.
