asked the Minister for External Affairs whether the Government have given consideration to the proposals made by the United States of America in connection with the construction and fuelling of an experimental and research atomic pile in this country, and, if so, when a decision is likely to be reached.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Research Atomic Pile.
As I have already stated in public, the Government of the United States of America has, with typical generosity, offered to assist the Government of Ireland in the development of the peaceful uses of atomic energy. To this end, an agreement is proposed which would cover the provision by the United States of a research reactor and a supply of fissionable fuel with which to operate the reactor. It would also cover the exchange of information between the two Governments. The Government has this matter under active consideration, but it is not possible at this stage to forecast when a decision is likely to be reached.
Has the Minister been requested by the engineers' association to receive a deputation in this matter, in view of the desirability of ensuring that Irish graduates will be given an opportunity of undergoing training in modern methods in scientific developments?
That is a separate question.
It arises out of the question.
A great many things arise out of it.
Although it is a separate question, I can answer the Deputy. I received the deputation to-day.