Pearse Doherty (Donegal South West, Sinn Fein)
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Question 83: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on Taiwan's plans to finish nuclear power plant four despite serious concerns over storage of radioactive waste being stored at existing power plants, an extensive list of defects on the unfinished NPPF project and two senior executives resigning form the project in late 2011 on that basis. [9613/12]

Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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Ireland adheres to the One-China policy, recognising the government of the People's Republic of China as the sole legitimate government of China. I have consulted with my colleague, the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government and have been advised that Ireland recognises the right of States to determine their own energy mix, including whether or not to develop nuclear power. It is Ireland's expectation that, where a decision is taken by any authority, regardless of its status, to develop a nuclear power industry, this will be done in line with the highest international standards with respect to safety and environmental protection.

In view of the potential for transboundary impacts arising from the malfunctioning of nuclear installations, however limited that may be, the importance of prioritising nuclear safety and environmental protection is a matter of concern to all States, including Ireland.