Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 19 May 1999

Vol. 505 No. 1

Written Answers. - Nuclear Electricity Industry.

Trevor Sargent

Ceist:

22 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Public Enterprise the policy in her Department in relation to the importation of nuclear generated electricity; if this prospect arose following deregulation of the electricity sector; the measures, if any, she will put in place to maintain the energy sector nuclear free; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13037/99]

Minister for Public Enterprise (Mrs. O'Rourke)

The Government accepts that public opinion is firmly opposed to the nuclear electricity industry. Under the provisions of the EU Electricity Directive relating to third party access to networks, large customers will be entitled, if the necessary interconnection capacity exists, to contract directly with generators or other suppliers abroad for electricity. At present there is no connection between any part of Ireland and any country which has nuclear power.

It has to be recognised that in the UK, as elsewhere, electricity is generated from a variety of sources and once electricity enters the grid it is not possible to identify its source. This is particularly pertinent if non-generating suppliers are involved in a transaction. It seems reasonable to expect that the known position of the Government, and I believe of all the major political parties, as well as clear public opinion would strongly discourage eligible customers from knowingly contracting for electricity imports clearly traceable to nuclear stations.

The electricity regulation Bill provides that the Minister may, by order, specify criteria relating to among others, the nature of the primary source of energy to be used by a generating station. It is my intention that the criteria will stipulate that proposals for the construction of nuclear power stations will not be authorised.