Vol. 514 No. 2
2 Mr. Bell asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources the plans, if any, he has to implement the recommendations of the task force report on the dumping of radioactive material in maritime areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3835/00]
My predecessor, the Minister, Deputy Woods, announced the publication of the report on 7 January 2000. The report is an up-to-date assessment of the position by recognised experts. I welcome its publication and I avail of this opportunity to thank the members of the task force and all who assisted them with their work in this important and sensitive area. The key conclusion of the report is that the risk to human health and to marine life from past radioactive dumping is extremely low and does not constitute a health hazard. This should help to allay genuine public anxiety in this regard.
The report emphasises the importance of continuing with the ongoing marine radioactivity monitoring programme carried out by the RPII and also the ongoing research into radiological impacts by the RPII and the university sector. It advises that attempting to retrieve the material dumped is not necessary or practical as deliberate movement of the material is likely to present a greater hazard than the very low risk of it returning to the surface by some other means. Caution should be exercised in carrying out any works that may disturb the seabed in any area where radioactive waste has been dumped and a careful assessment of any potential risks made. I am drawing the attention of the UK authorities to this important recommendation on the management of the various dumpsites and will seek their assurances in this regard.
It also recommends that the Government should continue its leading role at international level in the protection of the marine environment and that any attempt to renew the practice of dumping radioactive material should be strenuously opposed by the Government. It suggests that if any further information emerges, this should be fully investigated. I support all these recommendations and am committed to continuing the role which the Government has undertaken in this regard.
I join with Deputy Finucane in congratulating the Minister on his appointment and wishing him well. I hope we can work closely together during his term of office. Does the Minister agree that there has been a great deal of public disquiet on this issue, particularly along the east coast? If it is not possible for the British Government to indicate clearly where these materials are located, how can we avoid the incidents which have occurred off the coast in the past? For example, when cables for the pipelines have been laid, what precautions can the State take, in conjunction with the British, to avoid a recurrence of what has already happened?
In regard to the UK Government, copies have been sent to various offices, organisations and agencies at national, EU and international level. As I mentioned, I am drawing the attention of the UK authorities to the important recommendations regarding non-disturbance of the sea bed, and to all of the recommendations in this report. I am satisfied with the level of co-operation between the UK Government and ourselves on the issue. Arrangements for communication, consultation and co-operation between countries on matters of mutual interest such as this at EU and international level continue to be developed, and Ireland is participating fully in this process. We are monitoring this issue carefully to ensure it does not happen again.
