asked the Minister for Transport and Power if he will give details of the proposal for setting up a semi-State nuclear body which he announced recently; if he will outline the functions of this body; the likely cost; if he considers it is justified; if any international contribution will be made; and if such a body will work in co-operation with similar bodies elsewhere.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Nuclear Energy Board.
226.
I do not wish to anticipate the Bill which I hope to introduce this session providing for the establishment of a Nuclear Energy Board. I may say, however, that the functions of the board will, initially at least, be mainly advisory. I could not at this stage put a figure on the cost, but it is not likely to be very great since, as I have said, the board will for some time act largely as an advisory body, though at a later stage it may be required to carry out executive functions.
I am satisfied that it is essential that there should be expert advice available to the Government regarding the use of fissile and radioactive substances generally.
No particular international contribution by the board is foreseen at the moment. It is the intention that through this country's membership of the International Atomic Energy Agency and the European Nuclear Energy Agency, the board will have the opportunity of keeping abreast of developments in the nuclear field.