Vol. 429 No. 6
24 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications if he will give details of the amount of radioactive waste which has been transported from Ireland to Drigg nuclear dump in Cumbria, England; and the source from which this waste originated.
Radioactive material in the form of sealed sources which has come to the end of its useful life or is no longer required is returned to the original suppliers in accordance with the licensing requirements of the Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland. The location and manner of the final disposal is the responsibility of the original supplier as directed by the national regulatory authority and is not a matter for my Department. Accordingly no information is available on whether any waste from Ireland is ultimately disposed of at Drigg. No waste from Ireland is transported directly to Drigg.
Most of the material in question comes from Canada, the remainder comes from the US, UK and other EC states. Most of the sealed radioactive sources returned to the UK in recent years have come from two Irish hospitals where they were used in the treatment of cancer. The remainder came from a variety of industrial locations throughout the country and a few third level educational establishments.
Is there any substance in assertions by the management of British Nuclear Fuels, with whom I was speaking recently, that radioactive material from Ireland makes it way to Drigg nuclear dump just south of Sellafield? I am anxious to know if any recent EC directives on freedom of information would enable us to have more information? Does the Minister intend to minimise the amount of equipment and material needed and generated so that we do not need to dispose of these substances? If British Nuclear Fuels is correct would he not accept that we are weakening our position on the discredited nuclear industry in Sellafield which we are seeking to close as matter of Government policy? Does the Minister also agree that by endorsing an electric interconnector with Britain we will become more dependent on the nuclear industry that we would otherwise be?
The Deputy might put down separate questions on some of these issues. The question here related to our position on radioactive waste which goes back to its place of origin under existing regulations. A recent report on radioactive waste management in the European Community from the Commission to the Council made the point that radioactive waste management is an important element as far as safety and environment protection is concerned and that it must be developed and structured for all waste whatever its origin. The contention by the Deputy that the use of radioactive materials to counter cancer in Irish hospitals is in some way a support for the nuclear industry is incomprehensive. I did not get the Deputy's point, so he may want to make it again.
The important word I used there was "minimise". I understand that the treatment of cancer involves the production of nuclear waste and the use of radioactive material. I am concerned that we take all medical precautions. Does the Minister seek to minimise the type of radioactive material being used? Can he enlighten me as to what regulations he has in mind so that we know exactly what regulations are involved and how much information the licensee is required to give concerning where the material goes? It is of general public interest to know where it goes rather than to be told it is being dealt with.
The Deputy appears to be introducing some additional matter.
I am speaking about the regulatory procedure. This radioactive material in both sealed and unsealed form for use in industrial, medical and laboratory applications is imported under licence issued by the RPII. There is no national waste facility in which this material can be stored and disposed of here after use. Therefore, all imported sealed radioactive sources must be returned to the original supplier at the end of their useful lives. This is a precondition imposed by the board prior to the issue of a licence. All suppliers are located outside the State. Under the licence regime all materials must be returned to the original supplier. It is presumably a matter for its proper use in industrial, laboratory and hospital location as to whether the volume increases in the future. Regardless of this, it means that under the present licence regime it must be returned to the original suppliers so that none of it remains here. That is the present position.
Is the Minister saying that no radioactive material from this country is dumped at Drigg?
I am simply saying that it is not for me to say whether radioactive material is dumped at Drigg. There is an obligation to return it to the original supplier. I am not aware where it is sent afterwards.
The Minister does not know.
I do not know whether it goes to Drigg. I do not even know where Drigg is but I have been informed it is in Cumbria.
Deputy Cowen is the Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications.
I am indeed and the Deputy is a spokesman on energy. The mock consternation really hurts me. I am simply saying it is not within the capacity of any Minister with responsibility for energy to know whether radioactive material which is returned to the supplier is dumped in Drigg. That is a matter for the authorities from where the radioactive waste emanates in the first place.
Deputy Allen rose.
In recent months the Minister made a very comprehensive and valued submission in relation to the Sellafield operation. Will the Minister agree that our position in relation to Sellafield would be greatly compromised if it transpires that radioactive material from this country is being disposed of in Cumbria?
I will not get into the area of speculation concerning where this material is dumped because I do not know, no more than the Deputy. Under the licence regime it is returned to the supplier of origin. If the Deputy wishes to have further detailed information he will have to put down a separate question.
Is the Minister aware that items such as disposable syringes and pipettes which are used to deliver the radioactive liquids are not returned to the suppliers or manufacturers? Is the Minister in a position to quantify the type of low level radioactive waste which is exported to Drigg? Does he keep any records or check the level of exports?
In the case of stored unsealed sources the RPII monitor the decay of the radioactive content until it has reached levels at which disposal as ordinary domestic waste is permitted. Storage is generally for a period of five to ten years. I am satisfied that the licensing arrangements ensure that all sources of radioactivity are currently stored in a manner which does not pose a hazard to people or property.
Where is it stored?
If the Deputy wishes to ask further questions he should table them and I will gladly answer them.
We are moving on to Question No. 25.
