asked the Minister for Energy if he will inform the Dáil what direction or tasks, if any, he has given to the Nuclear Energy Board, over and above their statutorily defined responsibilities, in regard to nuclear development; and whether he has laid down for the board's guidance any particular interpretation of their statutorily defined responsibilities.
Ceisteanna—Questions . Oral Answers . - Nuclear Energy Board .
12.
: I have not given any directions nor have I laid down particular interpretations in relation to the board's statutory responsibilities.
Apart from the specific functions assigned to the Nuclear Energy Board under the relevant statute, the board has a general function of advising me on matters connected with nuclear energy. In this context I sought advice from the board in regard to the health and environmental aspects of uranium prospecting. I have given information in relation to this matter in reply to an earlier question.
: I am sorry, I did not hear the beginning of the Minister's reply; it is my fault, I was not attending. Can I take it that the Minister has not filled out the statutory functions of the board by giving them what I might call writing instructions as to how they are to interpret them?
: That would be correct.