Vol. 472 No. 5
85 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications the issues of concern, if any, which have been brought to his attention with regard to the likelihood of a nuclear accident in the United Kingdom and the areas where such an accident would have a detrimental effect in this country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23564/96]
As Minister with responsibility for nuclear safety and radiation protection, I am concerned about the possibility of a nuclear accident and the possible consequences that such an accident may have for Ireland, particularly in the areas of public health and agriculture.
To prepare for such an eventuality, in conjunction with the Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland and relevant Government Departments, there is a national plan of action designed to mitigate the effects of a nuclear accident and to co-ordinate, in the most effective way, the responses of the various State agencies to such an accident.
An outline of the emergency plan is contained in the booklet entitled "the National Emergency Plan for Nuclear Accidents" which is available from my Department. I have forwarded a copy of the booklet to the Deputy for information. Section 5 of the booklet lists the possible sources of nuclear accidents and their consequences.
