Vol. 469 No. 7
84 Mr. R. Burke asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the Government's policy in relation to the opening of bilateral negotiations on the nuclear co-operation agreement, Peaceful and Nuclear Co-operation, between the EU and Japan; and the position of the Government with regard to the Irish commitment to the principal of nuclear non-proliferation in view of these negotiations. [18146/96]
To date the European Commission has not sought a negotiating mandate from the Council of Ministers in regard to a nuclear co-operation agreement with Japan. Thus it would be premature to take a position on the matter. However, the issues of nuclear safety and nuclear non-prolilferation would be vital considerations for Ireland as regards the negotiation of any nuclear co-operation agreement between EURATOM and a third country.
