Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 17 Jun 2003

Vol. 568 No. 5

Written Answers. - Nuclear Safety.

Joe Sherlock

Ceist:

142 Mr. Sherlock asked the Minister for the Environment Heritage and Local Government his views on whether the letter of 16 April 2003 from the UK Secretary of State for Trade and Industry is an adequate response to concerns he has expressed regarding security at the Sellafield nuclear plant; the further steps he intends to take in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16526/03]

Issues associated,inter alia, with security at Sellafield are addressed in the case brought by Ireland against the UK under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea. While the substantive proceedings have been adjourned until not later than 1 December 2003, the arbitral tribunal has indicated that it will consider the possibility of prescribing provisional measures. Ireland is today making an appropriate request, in the overall context of the case against Sellafield, and a determination in this regard will be a matter for the tribunal.