Trevor Sargent
Question:190 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the countries' representatives with which the Government has discussed the issue of transportation related to Sellafield, other than the UK Government. [21843/02]
Written Answers. - Nuclear Safety.
The issues raised by the Deputy fall primarily under the responsibility of the Minister for the Environment and Local Government and of the Minister for Communications, the Marine and Natural Resources.
Informal arrangements have been in place for a number of years whereby the Irish authorities are notified of shipments of nuclear materials transiting the Irish Sea. This information is conveyed to Ireland by representatives of the United Kingdom, France or Japan, depending on the origin and destination of particular shipments.
Ireland is also actively involved with other interested states, including like minded coastal states, at the International Atomic Energy Agency and in the European Union, in campaigning for the highest standards in the transport of radioactive materials. The International Atomic Energy Agency issues regulations for the safe transport of radioactive material, which are adopted by national authorities and other appropriate international agencies. The regulations issued by the International Atomic Energy Agency are periodically reviewed and updated. In addition, Ireland is represented on the EU Standing Working Group on Safe Transport of Radioactive Material, which examines the application of the transport regulations among EU member states and considers proposals for further development of such regulations.
Question No. 191 answered with Question No. 186.