Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)

I have discussed the issue of Sellafield and we have made substantial progress between Ireland and the UK authorities. We have included the Sellafield projects in the stress tests carried out by the European Union in the aftermath of the recent problems in Fukushima in Japan. The International Atomic Energy Agency is helping Ireland to deal with the risks associated with Sellafield. I am satisfied with the arrangements and the results of the stress tests will be reported to us next year.

Other issues raised at the meetings include water quality and river basin management systems, environmental impacts of agriculture and waste management in a cross-Border context which is a serious problem. The Department will spend €20 million on repatriating waste dumped illegally to the north of the Border. These issues feed into the research programmes we have established to deal with environmental matters in the context of climate change.

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