John Bruton
Question:38 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Minister for Public Enterprise her assessment of the effects here of a terrorist attack on Sellafield similar to the attack on the World Trade Center. [24151/01]
Written Answers. - National Emergency Plan.
The potential consequences for Ireland of a terrorist attack on the Sellafield plant, similar to the attack on the World Trade Center, would essentially be of the same nature as those of a major accident at the plant.
The consequences of such a terrorist attack would, therefore, come within the scope of the national emergency plan for nuclear accidents. This plan is designed to respond to a major disaster at a nuclear installation in the UK or elsewhere which would result in a major release of radioactivity into the atmosphere.
The actual consequences in a particular accident situation would depend primarily on the quantity of radioactivity released and on the prevailing weather conditions, especially the wind direction. Under the national emergency plan, an assessment team, comprising scientists from the Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland, assisted by Met Éireann personnel, would assemble promptly and, on the basis of available information, provide advice as to the likely extent of effects on Ireland, how soon those effects might be experienced, and what areas of the country would be likely to be affected. This information would in turn provide a basis for advice as to appropriate counter-measures to be put in place.
I understand that concerns about a terrorist strike on Sellafield or other nuclear installation have raised public questions about our preparedness to deal with the consequences of a nuclear accident. However, I can assure this House that our national emergency plan is designed to ensure a rapid, co-ordinated and effective response to any such accident or disaster.
I refer the Deputy to my response to Question No. 85 today in which I provide further details on the emergency plan.