Niall Ó Brolcháin (Green Party)

I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy Dick Roche. The State has a proud history in introducing legislation of this nature. A Fianna Fáil Minister, Frank Aiken, was one of the instigators of the international nuclear non-proliferation treaty. While the Bill might not be of the same import, it is of huge import, nevertheless.

I am thankful to say Ireland has set its mind against nuclear power. It is a clean and green country. In my view and that of many experts, we do not need to go down the route of producing nuclear power. I am glad that no political party has decided that it represents the way forward. I previously quoted the Germany KiKK study which shows that within a 5 km radius of a nuclear power station there is a 60% increase in the incidence of tumours and an increase of over 100% in the level of childhood leukaemia.

We are aware of phrases such as "dirty bombs", which are often used in the context of discussions on depleted uranium. We are aware that depleted uranium was used in "bunker buster" bombs during the Iraq War. Heavy material is included in such bombs to allow them to burst through concrete before they explode. It is a handy way for countries such as the United States to get rid of a load of uranium used in the production of nuclear power. Unfortunately, such uranium has a radioactive content. It lasts for a hell of a long time and we need to consider how it should be disposed of. Countries generally bury waste uranium in the ground. An alternative means of dealing with it is to send it to other countries. I would not approve of such a method of waste disposal.

I would like to read a snippet from an on-line BBC article on this issue:

One UK Gulf veteran is Ray Bristow, a former marathon runner. In 1999 he told the BBC: "I gradually noticed that every time I went out for a run my distance got shorter and shorter, my recovery time longer and longer. Now, on my good days, I get around quite adequately with a walking stick, so long as it's short distances. Any further, and I need to be pushed in a wheelchair." Ray Bristow was tested in Canada for DU. He is open-minded about its role in his condition. But he says: "I remained in Saudi Arabia throughout the war. I never once went into Iraq or Kuwait, where these munitions were used. But the tests showed, in layman's terms, that I have been exposed to over 100 times an individual's safe annual exposure to depleted uranium."

Many such stories can be read on the Internet and in the various news media around the world. The BBC's reports on the issue are an excellent source of material.

The Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland does sterling work. This country's many nuclear-free local authorities have a proud tradition of opposing the development of nuclear weapons and the use of nuclear power. My colleague, Senator Dearey, will speak about the work of such authorities. When I was a member of Galway City Council, I was proud to have a motion on the issue agreed.

We have an opportunity to show global leadership on an issue of international importance. If we take the action proposed in the Bill, it can be taken up by many other countries. Unfortunately, this will not be the first country to do so, as Costa Rica and Belgium have already adopted this approach. Senator Boyle mentioned that some work was being done in New Zealand also. Ireland has a proud tradition of introducing legislation of this nature. It is always good to assume an international leadership role in areas such as this. It is always said Ireland punches above its weight, in terms of its influence, at the United Nations and other international assemblies. We show leadership on international issues of importance.

I hope the Bill will be passed in its entirety. I ask the Minister of State to examine it and help us to guide it through the House.