Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 18 Feb 1999

Vol. 500 No. 6

Written Answers. - Sellafield Nuclear Reprocessing Plant.

Proinsias De Rossa

Ceist:

10 Proinsias De Rossa asked the Minister for Public Enterprise if BNFL has acceded to the Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland's request for copies of probability risk assessments in relation to the high level waste storage tanks at Sellafield; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4594/99]

Minister of State at the Department of Public Enterprise (Mr. Jacob)

The RPII has been in touch with BNFL with a view to arranging a visit to Sellafield to examine information and documentation being made available by BNFL concerning the safety of high level waste storage tanks at Sellafield. This visit will take place shortly and I will review the position when the institute has reported to me on the visit.

Regardless of the RPII visit I continue to seek the acceleration of the vitrification programme relating to high level waste stored at Sellafield. As the Deputy is aware vitrification is the safest form of storage of high level waste and I want the current backlog of such waste vitrified at the earliest opportunity. The institute's investigations of BNFL information held in Sellafield does not imply that I have softened my stance on this matter. I intend to raise the subject again when I meet Minister Meacher in London on 25 February next.