Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)

I reiterate to both Deputies that this legislation cannot control movement of nuclear cargo ships. That is not the purpose of the legislation. Whether we in this country like the prospects of having nuclear power, nuclear energy or any kind of nuclear vessels in the area or not - we generally do not - we still must legislate for the fact that there are such vessels which may come into Irish waters at various times. Notwithstanding the concerns the Deputies expressed which I share, the Bill strengthens the position on inspection and compliance with international standards, etc., to ensure that the vessels in which any of this nuclear material may be carried, as cargo or even used as a source of power, will be as safe as possible and safe to the highest international standards. That is what this legislation is about. I am satisfied that the legislation goes as far as it possibly can and it adopts all of the international criteria, practices, etc. From that point of view, I make that general point. Of course, it would be better if no ships carrying any kind of nuclear cargo came anywhere near the country. I accept what the Deputy has said.

On the general question of an accident or anything else that might arise from ships or cargo, as has been happening in different areas, the emergency task force or committee would be convened. It is laid out in the various Departments' websites. Depending on the crisis, the relevant Department would lead in that regard. In this case, the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government has drawn up a plan about nuclear fallout. In the case of the volcanic ash, as we saw the Department of Transport dealt with it. The weather crisis was dealt with by the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government.

In the event of a crisis, the emergency task force or committee would be convened and all Departments relevant to the issue would be-----

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