I am aware of the proposals made by Dr. Gordon Thompson for a nuclear grand bargain. These proposals were previously referred to during a debate in the Seanad on 3 March 1999 in connection with a motion on nuclear fuel reprocessing in the course of which I outlined the Government's position.
Under the terms of the proposed bargain, France and Britain would agree to stop reprocessing and, with the involvement of other nations, would initiate a vigorous programme of nuclear clean up in Russia and elsewhere. Dr. Thompson suggested that smaller countries not directly involved, such as Ireland, could play an important role as facilitators of the bargain. The Government fully supports the suggestion that reprocessing of spent nuclear fuel should cease and be replaced by nuclear clean up activities. However, the approach to be adopted by Ireland needs to be realistic and based on our best assessment of what is likely to achieve success.
It does not necessarily follow that the nuclear reprocessing companies in Britain or France would abandon their reprocessing activities because of their participation in a major clean up programme. These companies are already involved in such clean up operations and may see further clean up operations as a useful commercial extension of their existing activities, including reprocessing.
The EU PHARE and TACIS programmes provide assistance to the central and eastern European countries and to the states of the former Soviet Union in the form of specific co-ordinated activities which are aimed at assisting with the closure of unsafe and aging Chernobyl-type reactors, the upgrading of other reactors to acceptable western standards, the improvement of radioactive waste management and assisting with clean up operations.
I am anxious that we pursue our nuclear safety objectives in a realistic fashion, taking account of our best judgment of the likely outcome of any diplomatic initiatives we adopt. Implicit in our approach is the Government's wish to see an end to reprocessing.
Additional InformationWe are also anxious to contribute in any way we can to the promotion of improved safety standards and environmental protection globally. Any initiatives to this end, such as the EU PHARE and TACIS programmes, are actively supported by the Government.