Vol. 521 No. 2
78 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources the progress to date of the task force report on the survey-monitoring and management measures with regard to the dumping of radioactive materials in Irish seas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16380/00]
The main thrust of the recommendations of the task force report were that the arrangements which have been put in place in recent years as regards the ongoing marine radioactivity monitoring programme carried out by the RPII and also the ongoing research into radiological impacts by the RPII and the university sector should continue; that caution should be exercised in carrying out any works that may disturb the seabed in any area where radioactive waste has been dumped and a careful assessment of any potential risks made; and that the Government should continue its leading role at international level in the protection of the marine environment and that it should strenuously oppose any attempt to renew the practice of dumping radioactive material.
As I previously advised the House on 10 February and 22 March 2000, I support all these recommendations. The attention of the UK authorities was drawn specifically to the recommendation in paragraph 4.14 of the report on the need to exercise caution in carrying out any works that may disturb the seabed in any area where radioactive waste has been dumped.
