I propose to answer Questions Nos. 28, 30, 31, 34, 52 and 111, together.
I have written to the UK Secretary of State for Energy seeking an immediate end to reprocessing at Sellafield and closure of the plant as soon as possible. I have also submitted, for consideration at the June 1987 meeting of the Paris Commission for the Prevention of Marine Pollution from Land-Based Sources, a recommendation that Sellafield be closed. This recommendation reflects the unanimous call for the closure of Sellafield, made in this House on 3 December last.
The Government firmly believe that technology available at present can practically eliminate discharges from nuclear installations and we are determined that this technology be used. In addition to the Sellafield recommendation, I have tabled a recommendation for consideration at the Paris Commission meeting calling on member states to declare their firm intention to use the best available technology to minimise and eliminate discharges from all nuclear industries including reprocessing plants. The texts of both recommendations have been sent to contracting parties by the Paris Commission in advance of the meeting.
As a meeting of the International Energy Agency in Paris on 11 May last, I took the opportunity to seek support for these recommendations from Ministers of Governments who are signatories to the Paris Convention. I brought to their attention the Dáil resolution calling for the closure of Sellafield. I am happy to be able to report that the response was generally encouraging. I am having bilateral meetings with the Ambassadors of Iceland and Denmark this week, and with the Norwegian Ambassador next week, on this subject.
Officials from my Department will attend the Paris Commission meeting in June and will press for the adoption of the Irish recommendations.
In relation to the monitoring of radioactive discharges from Sellafield, the Nuclear Energy Board carried out an ongoing monitoring programme of the levels of radioactivity in the Irish marine environment. This involves the sampling and analysis of seafood, seaweed, sediment and seawater. Copies of the results of the board's monitoring programme during 1982-84 are available in the Dáil Library.
The monitoring programme has been stepped up in recent years with, for example, the number of samples analysed in 1986 being about 50 per cent up on the number analysed in 1985. It is proposed to maintain monitoring in 1987 at the 1986 level.
The Irish Government's concern about the safety of Sellafield is backed up not only by the scientific advice from the Nuclear Energy Board but also by the UK Health and Safety Executive who stated in a report last December that the potential existed for a serious incident at the plant.
I am convinced that extensive monitoring and a high level of expertise on the world's nuclear industry are essential to enable us to cope with the potential hazards of nuclear installations in other countries. This will be reflected in the function of the new National Radiological Protection Institute, the legislative framework for which I am at present drawing up. In the meantime the Nuclear Energy Board have been given increased resources for the provision of a new laboratory and additional staff and equipment.