Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 9 May 1962

Vol. 195 No. 4

Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Nuclear Research Reactor.

35.

Mr. Pattison

asked the Minister for Education whether his attention has been drawn to the remarks made on 3rd May by Mr. A. Harkin, Deputy Civil Engineer of the Electricity Supply Board, and by Professor T. E. Nevin of University College, Dublin, on the necessity of obtaining a nuclear research reactor; whether he has any comment to make on these remarks; whether he considers it desirable that, as stated by Professor Nevin, Ireland is the only country in Europe not having a research and educational programme in the field of atomic energy based on a research reactor; and whether he will take any steps to remedy this position.

36.

Mr. Cosgrave

asked the Minister for Education if the Government will now reconsider the question of acquiring a nuclear reactor for experimental purposes; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Mr. J. Lynch

With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take questions Nos. 35 and 36 together.

I would refer the Deputies to the Report of the Atomic Energy Committee, submitted in 1958, which is worth careful study.

The matter, which is being kept under review, will no doubt fall to be considered by the Commission on Higher Education.