Michael Colreavy (Sligo-North Leitrim, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

In Ireland there are peaks and valleys in electricity usage. There is both high and low volume usage. Would the group's proposals be dependent on using an interconnector between Ireland and Britain and the interconnector between Britain and continental Europe? Are we looking at this issue in terms of having a European-wide network? If we were to have a small modular reactor, SMR, at Moneypoint, would Ireland need a parallel alternative power station in case something happened to the modular reactor?

The group has recommended that we consider the issue of nuclear energy objectively and an official study of the impact of an SMR as a replacement for the Moneypoint power station. How much would this cost and who would do it? The country can barely afford a two-bar heater. If we were to invest money in looking at the potential for developing nuclear energy reactors, would there be parallel investment in research into renewable energy resources? Could we afford to do both?

The group has suggested we recommend the repeal of section 18 of the Electricity Regulation Act 1999 which states "an order under this section shall not provide for the use of nuclear fission for the generation of electricity". Is BENE seriously suggesting we propose this section be removed in advance of the studies suggested by it? I would have serious concerns in that regard.