andMr. Kirk asked the Minister for Industry and Energy if he proposes to seek the setting up of an international body to inquire into the incidents of nuclear pollution at Windscale, Cumbria, England; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Atomic Waste Disposal.
219.
I am informed by the Nuclear Energy Board that the extent of exposure in Ireland to radioactivity from the discharges of effluent from Windscale is less than 1 per cent of the accepted EEC safety limit and is also less than 1 per cent of the recommended limit set out by the International Commission on Radiological Protection.
Ireland has, however, indicated on several occasions to the United Kingdom and to various international bodies such as the Paris Convention, the EEC, the Nuclear Energy Agency and the International Atomic Energy Agency our opposition to the discharge of radioactive effluent and the dumping of radioactive waste at sea and will continue to do so through all channels open to us.
It is my intention to make known Ireland's continuing concern in these matters to the British authorities through bilateral communication following further consultation with other Government Departments concerned and this matter is being pursued at the highest level. As the question of control of radioactive wastes is being discussed already in several international fora as referred to above I do not see that concentration of efforts in getting another international body established would be the most productive course.