Vol. 480 No. 7
17 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Public Enterprise if a decision has been made by the Government to take over the case being taken in the Irish courts by the County Louth residents; if no such decision has been made, if the Government will agree to 100 per cent funding of the costs of the preparation of the case and the case in the courts; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15129/97]
19 Mr. Yates asked the Minister for Public Enterprise the steps, if any, she has taken to take legal action against the British Nuclear Fuels plant in Sellafield; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15059/97]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 17 and 19 together.
The Government shares the general concerns which have been expressed about the safety of the nuclear facilities at Sellafield. We find the threat of a major accident from the facilities and the resulting potential for significant radioactive contamination to Ireland to be unacceptable. Every opportunity open to us continues to be pursued by the State to remove this threat, including the possibility of legal action. However, the taking of an action against Sellafield by the State has been and remains a complex and difficult and legal matter.
As to the County Louth residents' High Court action against BNFL, the Government yesterday took a decision on this matter. The general terms of the decision are being communicated to the residents today. I am in the process of making arrangements to follow up with detailed discussions on the Government's decision at a meeting with the residents at their earliest possible convenience.
Apart from discussing with the residents the nature and terms of the support which will be available I will also explore with the residents how relevant Government Departments and the Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland can help with expert advice relating to the research and investigations they wish to undertake in order to progress their case. Such co-operation would be offered without in any way wishing to cut across their independent approach to this case.
As this is the first time I have been across the floor from the Minister and the Minister of State, I congratulate both on their appointments and wish them well. By now they will have read their briefs and be aware of the work the previous administration did and the amount prepared and ready for the new Government to go ahead with. The Minister's answer was very familiar. I recognised many of the terms, having used them myself. I am glad the Government took the decision it did in the knowledge that during the term of office of the last Government Fianna Fáil was extremely strong in insisting that the Government should simply take over the case or fully fund the preparation of the case, but perhaps the Minister of State would give us some detail of the principles involved in yesterday's decision?
I thank the Deputy for his good wishes. I remind him and the House that these matters are the subject of legal proceedings in which the State is named as a co-defendant. In view of this it is not considered appropriate to have a detailed discussion on the Government's decision in advance of a meeting on the matter with the plaintiffs. I am anxious to have that meeting at the earliest possible date, tomorrow if possible. I have indicated that to the residents and I am awaiting their pleasure to sit down and talk with them in detail.
I am surprised at the answer I have received. What I am asking is whether, given that the State is still a defendant in the case being taken by the Dundalk residents and that the previous Government was in a position to make moneys available, the Government has decided to make available moneys it previously demanded we make available to the Dundalk residents in this case? Has that simple decision been made?
Although I am reluctant to go into detail, I want to be helpful to the Deputy in his aspiration to elicit information. I am aware of and recognise the primacy of this House, and I will convey to the residents very positive information in the course of days as to the moneys which will be forthcoming.
Regarding this dialogue with the residents' association, it has requested funding not only for legal costs. To further its case, substantial research into health factors is necessary. Does the Government's decision address that? On the whole issue, what steps is the Minister with responsibility in this area taking to ensure the British Government as well as British Nuclear Fuels Limited will phase out all nuclear discharges into the marine environment at Sellafield?
The matter of research and assistance towards research is being fully and directly addressed in our proposals to the residents and I will call on appropriate Government Departments to assist in that research and to give advice with the full intention of being ultra helpful to this County Louth group.
What steps has the Minister of State taken to see that there will be no further marine discharges by any nuclear installations, particularly on the west coast of the UK?
This matter is ongoing. I compliment the previous incumbent of the position I occupy today for his ongoing steps with regard to the matter Deputy Yates has raised. There has been no letup in the ongoing battle to ensure the safety of the people of this State in terms of the threat from Sellafield. We are continuing with international conventions, and I have requested a meeting with the UK Environment Minister and received a reply from him just 24 hours ago. I expect to restate our serious concern and aversion to many aspects of what is happening at Sellafield. That policy will continue.
I congratulate the Minister of State on getting positive action in a very short time in office. Could he inform the House whether the solicitors or spokespersons for the Dundalk residents have now agreed to withdraw the Irish Government as a defendant in the case, given the positive nature of the decision he will convey to them? Will he re-institute the ministerial committee on Sellafield and the expert group who were most helpful to me during the term of office of the last Government?
The Government has been intensely involved in this issue. I realise there was a sub-committee in situ prior to the formation of the present Government. However, this issue has been discussed on three occasions in the past seven or eight weeks by the Government, which is an indication of how seriously the Government is treating the matter. I have been given and relish the task of spearheading this case with the full backing and support of the Government.
Have the residents agreed to withdraw the State as a defendant, given the generosity of the decision that has been made?
That is a matter I will discuss with them days, rather than weeks, hence. The Government is in a rather invidious position in readily and willingly funding this case while simultaneously being in the position of defendant. That is something that will be high on the agenda of discussion at our forthcoming meeting.
