James Bannon (Fine Gael)

I welcome the Minister of State and thank him for his explanation on the background to the Bill. It is three years since it was last dealt with in the House. Does it adequately address the issues of today? Much has happened since, such as the events of 11 September 2001.

I understand the Minister of State took advice from the EU Commission on the implementation of the Bill. I am concerned about the pro-nuclear undercurrents of many EU directives that have come before us in recent times and I am fearful of the advancement of the nuclear option in a number of proposed directives. We discussed one recently at the Joint Committee on the Environment and Local Government. What we were led to believe is happening throughout Europe with regard to storage of nuclear waste, etc., is alarming. It is important we cover this matter adequately in a Bill at some stage.

I welcome any directive, Bill or amendment thereto that will bring about better safety standards. Will this Bill do so? Does it include acceptable solutions with regard to the management of nuclear weapons? I was not a Member of this House when it last considered the Bill and therefore I am at odds with regard to the safety elements. Maybe the Minister of State could give some guarantees in this respect.

We have inadequate storage systems. I understand many local authorities are storing radioactive materials and I am concerned about this. Much has happened since we first considered the Bill. There has been a huge rise in the level of radioactive waste, as evidenced in several areas of research, etc. Apart from the issue of nuclear weapons, that of hospital, medical and industrial waste must be considered. Perhaps the Minister of State will update the House in this regard.

I raise these issues because we live in a fast-moving world and much can happen in a period of three years, as was the case in the past three. It must be asked, therefore, if this legislation is adequate to cover what has happened in the interim.