There is at present no scope for action in this matter as long as activities connected with the peaceful use of nuclear energy comply with the provisions of the EURATOM treaty and the safety requirements of the countries concerned. I am not aware therefore of any basis on which the activities mentioned could be challenged.
I have raised this matter with the UK Secretary of State for Energy, Mr. John Wakeham, and also at the EC Energy Council. Ireland's concerns over Sellafield were reiterated with particular reference to the processing of waste from other countries.
I am very concerned at UK plans to import spent fuel from other countries for reprocessing at THORP. When I first learnt of the proposal to reprocess German waste at THORP, I made protests to the UK and German authorities. In particular it was pointed out to the German authorities that they had abandoned the completion of a reprocessing plant in Germany because of environmental concerns, and that it is not acceptable to us for them to transfer the problems associated with reprocessing close to Ireland. The increased transport of spent and reprocessed fuel and waste particularly if routed through the Irish Sea, with the attendant increased risk of accidents is of considerable concern.
