Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 15 Feb 2000

Vol. 514 No. 3

Written Answers. - Nuclear Plants.

Liz McManus

Ceist:

49 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Public Enterprise if she has been advised by the Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland that the United Kingdom NII has competed its investigations over the falsification of quality control checks on nuclear fuel rods; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4121/00]

Liam Lawlor

Ceist:

95 Mr. Lawlor asked the Minister for Public Enterprise if two recent shipments of MOX plutonium mix from British Nuclear Fuel at Sellafield to Japan via the Irish Sea were rejected by the receiving firm (details supplied) due to the fact that the safety checks on the shipments had been falsified and Japan had demanded that the shipments and the armed escort vessels be sent back to Sellafield; and the measures, if any, which will be taken at EU and international levels in this regard. [4346/00]

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

I propose to take Questions Nos. 49 and 95 together.

I understand that the Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland was informed on 10 February by the UK Nuclear Installations Inspectorate that the NII's investigation into the falsification of quality control checks for nuclear fuel rods at the Sellafield fuel pellet manufacturing plant is now complete.

I have been informed by the institute, which has been in regular contact with the NII since this incident came to light, that the NII will publish its report on the investigation shortly and that a copy will be sent immediately by the NII to the institute and my Department.

I understand that the fuel pellet manufacturing plant will remain closed until the NII is satisfied that the proper procedures are in place at the plant.

The falsification of any data relating to such hazardous material is a matter of serious concern. I am, therefore, awaiting, with interest, receipt of the NII's report. On receipt of this report, I will consider whether any intervention is required on my part or that of the institute.

I understand from the UK authorities that a UK delegation visited Japan last week to discuss the subject of the return of MOX fuel sent to Japan. According to the communiqué, the UK was asked to arrange for the sending back of the fuel to the UK. The UK in response pointed out the seriousness of the issue which raised contractual issues and involved both Governments. The UK Government resolved to consider all the options, including the sending of the fuel back to the UK as soon as possible. Both sides agreed to continue further discussions between the two Governments.

The question of the sending back of MOX fuel is, of course, linked with the authorisation of the proposed MOX plant by the UK authorities. On behalf of the Irish Government, I have made a number of submissions outlining the Irish Government's outright opposition to this plant. As contracts with Japanese customers would have a significant impact on the commercial viability of MOX, it is my view that no authorisation should be granted for the MOX plant in current circumstances. I will be monitoring closely developments in Japan relating to MOX. While no specific action is required at EU level or internationally at present, I will be keeping the matter under review.

If a decision is taken to return the fuel to the UK, responsibility for the transport by sea rests with the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources.