Vol. 494 No. 4
144 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Public Enterprise her views on the viability of nuclear fusion which is receiving considerable research attention at EU level; the extent of Ireland's financial contribution to the EU international thermonuclear experimental reactor project; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18421/98]
Controlled thermo-nuclear fusion has significant potential as a non-fossil fuel source which would meet future electricity supply requirements. It is regarded internationally as offering the possibility of generating electricity in a way which would avoid the unacceptable aspects of nuclear fission. If the technology is developed successfully, there would be no risk of serious accidents affecting the environment and no significant volumes of radioactive waste.
The EU's Fifth Framework Programme on Research includes a "key action" on controlled thermonuclear fusion. This "key action" would make further progress on the development of an experimental reactor. The "key action" would also investigate the contribution of fusion to safe and clean base-load electricity generation with due regard to the socio-economic aspects of fusion.
The Fifth Framework Programme is funded from within the overall Community budget and there is no direct financial contribution by Ireland to the programme. The budget for the "key action" has yet to be decided.
Ireland takes the view that there is need to evaluate fusion research expenditure continuously in the light of deemed socio-economic benefits and the development costs involved.
