Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 12 and 18 together.

Ireland recognises the right of states to determine their own energy mix, including whether to develop nuclear power. It is our expectation that, where a state chooses to develop a nuclear power industry, this will be done in line with the highest international standards in respect of safety and environmental protection. Safety must be the first priority for all existing or planned nuclear facilities.

With regard to Sellafield, the Government continues to bring pressure to bear on the UK authorities through a number of channels to decommission and close the existing Sellafield reprocessing plant on the basis that it poses an unacceptable risk. Recently, I took the opportunity to raise Irish concerns in regard to Sellafield with the UK Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, Mr. Chris Huhne, when I met him on 26 March on the margins of an informal council of EU Environment Ministers. In our discussion, while I acknowledged the ongoing constructive dialogue between the Irish and UK authorities on nuclear safety issues, I re-iterated the concerns of the Irish Government in regard to Sellafield. Against the background of recent events at the Fukushima nuclear plant in Japan, I emphasised the importance of the Ireland-UK bilateral notification agreement in place for the early notification of nuclear accidents or incidents. I also expressed the view that Sellafield should be covered by the stress testing arrangements for nuclear plants in the EU which were agreed by EU leaders at the European Council on 24-25 March.

Secretary of State Huhne acknowledged the Irish Government's concerns and indicated his Government's continued support for the ongoing constructive engagement between Ireland and the UK on nuclear-related matters. He also confirmed that the UK will be participating in the development of the proposed stress test to ensure that the robustness of the safety arrangements at nuclear facilities, including Sellafield, are challenged and improved where necessary in light of events in Japan.

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