asked the Minister for Energy the plans, if any, the Government have to take legal action against the United Kingdom before the International Court of Justice in respect of the dangerous levels of radioactive emissions from, and other pollution caused by, nuclear plants in that country; the plans, if any, they have to accede to the optional clause of the Statute of the International Court of Justice in order to permit such an action to be taken; and if so, if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Radioactive Emissions.
70.
Concerning Sellafield, in a written reply on 23 June to a question by Deputy McCartan I indicated the Government's intention to continue to press for the closure of the plant and stated that I was reviewing all possible courses of action which the Government could take.
Protection of the Irish people and the environment from the potential hazards of radioactive emissions from other nuclear facilities in the UK is linked to the safety of those facilities. As I indicated in the Dáil on 8 April 1987 I wrote to the then UK Secretary of State for Energy, Mr. Peter Walker MP, expressing the Government's concern about the safety of such facilities. As in the case of Sellafield, the Government will continue to pursue these issues with the UK and at international level. Measures open to the Government are being considered including any steps necessary to ensure that such measures could be taken.