Vol. 464 No. 3
139 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications the response, if any, by the British authorities to his representations expressing the concerns of the Irish people about the British nuclear industry; if, in the spirit of openness, he will make copies available of all communications between him and his counterpart in the United Kingdom on this matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7988/96]
The Deputy will be aware that on several occasions I have written to the UK Minister for Energy, Mr. Tim Eggar, MP, and the Secretary of State for the Environment, Mr. John Gummer, MP, outlining in the strongest terms the very deep concerns of the Irish Government about the adequacy of safety in the UK's nuclear industry. I also expressed my concerns about the safety and reliability of the UK's ageing Magnox reactors.
As I stated to the House on 5 March this year, the UK Minister for Energy has replied to my representations and has pointed out that for the UK Government and for all those involved in the nuclear industry, safety was the highest priority. He contended that my concerns about the safety of Magnox reactors were unfounded and that the stringent licensing regime operated by the Health and Safety Executive's Nuclear Installations Inspectorate continues to ensure that the highest levels of safety are maintained.
