asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if, in view of scientific developments which have created a situation of danger for Ireland not then apparent, the Government have reconsidered the implications for this country of the Euratom Treaty and the recent decision of the EEC to fund a major research for uranium ore in Ireland which, if found here in satisfactory amounts, may under the present provisions of the treaty be used or abused by other participants in the Community without this country's consent or approval and possibly leading to grave consequences to the lives and safety of the people and the peace of the world.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Uranium Ore Research.
6.
The Government are not reconsidering the implications for Ireland of the Euratom Treaty. The granting of facilities for the exploitation of any radioactive materials which might be found rests with the Minister for Industry, Commerce and Energy.
I would add that the provisions of the Euratom Treaty which appear to have prompted the Deputy's question relate to the need to ensure a Common Market with equal access for all consumers in respect of nuclear materials within the Community. These provisions include the requirement that no supplies are diverted to unlawful purposes, and to this end the treaty includes an elaborate system of safeguards.
I would also like to inform the Deputy that, in accordance with the provisions of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons—a treaty first suggested and worked for by Ireland—the European Community has concluded a comprehensive agreement concerning safeguards between Euratom and the International Atomic Energy Agency—the designated agent for the implementation of the safeguards arrangements specified in the non-proliferation treaty.
We are learning all the time about the dangers of uranium and its uses. It is the most dangerous substance ever found known to man. In addition, is this not a strategic material and as we are not members of NATO, giving access to this very dangerous powerful strategic material to members of NATO is a decision which might be considered as contravening the concept of neutrality which we are trying to hold in a very difficult situation? Have the Government given any consideration to that question?
I would share the Deputy's concern if it was based on certain assumptions that the development of uranium here could be conceivably used for military purposes but because of the controls which the Minister has, which I have mentioned both in relation to prospecting and exploitation, we have a degree of sovereign control which I assure the Deputy guarantees to what extent we can that whatever will be exploited will be used for peaceful purposes. I share the Deputy's concern about some developments. Some of the resources of the earth can be used for either peaceful or non-peaceful purposes. Within the Community under the terms of the Euratom Treaty and as we are co-sponsors of the Treaty for Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, our commitment in the future will be as it has been in the past.
Is it not a fact that under Protocol 26 of the Treaty of Accession, Article 2.2, we are bound to facilitate the granting of sub-licences on commercial terms to member states for exploration in relation to uranium? Surely if one gives a licence on commercial terms it is with the purpose of exploiting the find and once it leaves our shores we are in no position to exercise any control whatever. Is not that the new danger, in the light of two questions, first the strategic question and our neutrality, and secondly the danger of even the peaceful use of this? Nobody is yet happy about it.
As I have said on more than one occasion, and I am sure the Deputy shares my concern, sometimes technology has moved ahead of the political capacity of Governments to control technological development. That is the reality we have to live with. Nonetheless, within the terms of the Euratom Treaty and the Treaty for Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons in which we are involved, we have a degree of control which is not available to us in connection with the development of these resources elsewhere by other countries with which we are not associated. However, the checks we have within the Euratom Treaty and the checks which the Minister for Industry, Commerce and Energy has will guarantee to what extent they can that not only will uranium not be diverted for military purposes but will be a useful source of peaceful energy. That is a matter of great concern to us.
Arising out of the reply——
We are getting into a debate now.
Let the Minister give a simple answer if possible. Can the Minister for Industry, Commerce and Energy at any point because of some suspicion prevent somebody who has found, explored and tried to exploit uranium from exporting it? Under the powers he has he can forbid the export of this material?
He can.