The Government is totally opposed to the continued operation and any expansion of the Sellafield plant. Since taking office I have spared no effort in making known to the relevant UK Ministers, both in face to face meetings and in correspondence, the concerns of the Irish Government about Sellafield in general and also specifically about MOX.
I need hardly remind this House of the Government's dismay and anger at the announcement last week by the UK Government that it has given the go ahead to the Sellafield mixed oxide or MOX fuel fabrication plant. At a time of heightened tensions around the world arising from terrorist threats and when one would have expected countries with nuclear installations to consider the very real threat to safety and security, I find the UK Government's decision, which will effectively result in an expansion of operations at Sellafield, difficult to comprehend.
The opening of the MOX plant will mean that the Irish Sea is used as a highway for the transport of highly dangerous nuclear fuel to and from nuclear plants around the world. This is in addition to the existing and equally unacceptable activities at Sellafield. The Taoiseach has personally conveyed to the Prime Minister, Mr. Blair, the Government's implacable opposition to the decision to proceed with the MOX plant.
