Vol. 554 No. 5
110 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the representations he made to the British Authorities regarding the recent potentially lethal MOX cargo shipped through the Irish Sea to Sellafield; the response he received to his representations; the steps he intends to take to ensure that the marine environment is not put at further risk from such cargoes in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17012/02]
My main concerns, which were brought to the attention of the UK authorities by my Department, were to ensure that the vessels did not pass through waters under Ireland's jurisdiction and to ensure that the highest possible levels of safety were applied both in terms of the vessels employed and the operational requirements applied to them.
Arrangements are in place with both the UK and France that Ireland will be notified in advance of shipment dates, the nature of cargoes and all other relevant details. My Department was notified in accordance with these arrangements in advance of the recent shipment. The Irish Government has the capability to respond to any incident and was aware of the vessels' location once they entered the Irish Sea. The vessels did not enter waters under Ireland's jurisdiction.
