James Bannon (Fine Gael)

Sellafield is a catastrophe waiting to happen. I tried to raise this issue yesterday. Sellafield must be closed in the interest of the health and safety of our nation. This is something we have been demanding for a long time. It is up to the Government to take this matter to the international courts again. What happened over the past nine months shows total negligence on the part of the staff at Sellafield. Fine Gael has called for independent observer status at Sellafield many times and this is something that must be granted while Sellafield remains open. The Government must pursue the issue again in the international courts.

What action does the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government intend to take against the British Government on this issue? There is significant public concern about what is happening or has happened at Sellafield over the years. I think the call for the closure of Sellafield is unanimous in this House. It must happen and it is up to the Government to ensure it does, in the interest of the safety of the nation.