Vol. 491 No. 6
66 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Public Enterprise the further response, if any, she has had from Mr John Battle, MP, Minister of State for Nuclear Safety Policy in the United Kingdom Government, following her most recent letter to the Minister in relation to concerns regarding the continuing delay in decommissioning British magnox nuclear reactors; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12868/98]
Mr. John Battle, MP, the Minister concerned has replied to me recently. In essence he recognises Irish concerns but he states that ensuring the safety at civil nuclear installations is the highest priority for the UK Government and for all those involved in the UK nuclear industry. He hopes that continued co-operation and exchange of information can ensure that nuclear safety issues of interest to both countries can be considered, both bilaterally and in the context of the Nuclear Safety Convention.
Notwithstanding the assurances from Minister Battle, which I welcome, I remain unconvinced about the desirability of the continued operation of these reactors beyond their original design life. The Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland will continue its contacts with the UK's Nuclear Installations Inspectorate to explore the technical and engineering issues involved. I can assure the House that the Government, both bilaterally and within the framework of the Nuclear Safety Convention, will continue to probe the safety issues involved and to emphasise our desire to see the early closure and decommissioning of the Magnox reactors.
