Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 March 2023
89. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has engaged with other foreign ministers regarding the loss of electricity power at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant in Ukraine due to Russian missile bombardment; if he is concerned about the potential result of this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13386/23]
View answerI have repeatedly expressed my deep concern about the impact of Russia’s aggression against Ukraine on nuclear safety and security at Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant and other nuclear facilities in Ukraine. I have discussed the issue with the IAEA Director General Grossi at the January Foreign Affairs Council. Ireland is currently serving as Vice-Chair of the Board of Governors of the International Atomic Energy Agency and Ireland’s embassy in Vienna engages actively in discussions at the IAEA.
On 9 March, Ireland joined with 50 other states and EURATOM in a joint statement at the IAEA Board of Governors calling on Russia to respect IAEA resolutions. The statement addressed the range of issues impacting nuclear safety and security, including expressing significant concern with the continued fragile off-site power supply situation for Ukrainian nuclear power plants due to Russia’s egregious attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure.
The IAEA reports that the situation at Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant remains dangerous, precarious, and challenging. Nuclear safety and security must be respected in all circumstances, including in armed conflict. I am deeply concerned that Russia’s occupation has meant that each of the seven indispensable pillars of nuclear safety and security continue to be compromised, including interruption to secure off-site power supply. As long as Russia illegally occupies the site of Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, Russia’s actions significantly raise the risk of a nuclear accident or incident. I continue to support the IAEA Director General’s important proposal to address serious risks by establishing a nuclear safety and security protection zone around the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant.
I also welcome the establishment of a permanent IAEA presence at all of Ukraine’s nuclear facilities, and acknowledge the courage of the ZNPP staff and the IAEA mission staff in undertaking their vital work to ensure nuclear safety and security in such difficult circumstances.
Ireland has voted in favour of a series of IAEA resolutions on nuclear safety and security in Ukraine, and will continue to support the IAEA in this work.
