asked the Minister for Energy if his attention has been drawn to proposals to privatise the disposal of radioactive waste in the United Kingdom; his views on the implications for the Irish environment of such a development, particularly in view of a proposal to dispose of substantial amounts of such waste in an underground cavern beneath the Irish Sea; and if he has expressed any view formally or informally to the British Government outlining his concern in this matter.
Written Answers. - Radioactive Waste Disposal.
151.
NIREX is the official agency in the United Kingdom responsible for the development and implementation of a strategy for the permanent disposal of radioactive waste. It is a limited company representative of the participants in the nuclear energy industry but the Secretary of State for Energy has a "golden share". NIREX is not directly affected by the privatisation proposals for the electricity industry.
NIREX is due to produce a report on disposal of radioactive waste early in 1989. An interim discussion document published by NIREX in 1987 listed three main options one of which was storage in caverns under the Irish Sea. The Government are strongly opposed to this option and the UK Authorities are in no doubt as to this opposition. When the NIREX report is published I will reconsider the matter and take whatever steps are appropriate.