The Deputy is referring to the report published earlier this month by the Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland of its examination of British Nuclear Fuel's safety case documentation relating to the storage of liquid high level radioactive waste in tanks at Sellafield.
The RPII report essentially concluded that while the likelihood of a serious accident involving the high level waste tanks is low, there are a number of actions BNFL should undertake to lower the risk further. The actions considered necessary by the RPII include the need for BNFL to complete its analysis of the potential hazard from seismic disturbances and to carry out a further assessment of the consequences of a severe accident. The RPII has urged BNFL to take action on these matters.
I have requested the RPII to take up the safety improvements recommended in its report with the UK nuclear installations inspectorate. The RPII will report any progress to my Department. I understand that work is in progress in BNFL in undertaking a full review of risks arising from possible seismic disturbances and that the results of this review will be available in due course. I will be monitoring progress on these matters very closely. If the RPII is not satisfied with progress being made in implementing its recommendations, I will immediately take up the matter with my UK counterpart.
