Feargal Quinn (Independent)

On the point made by Senator Martin Conway, I know the sign in Ballyvaughan to which he referred, which is wonderful. Anybody who has not seen it should have a look at The Irish Times today which carries a great picture of it. I agree with the Senator.

For 20 years or more there has been very serious concern along the east coast from County Down to County Wicklow about the Sellafield nuclear plant which has been raised in the House on many occasions during that time. To a certain extent, when the tsunami hit Japan and there was a nuclear emergency, we were very concerned that the same could happen to any nuclear plant. When the European Union decided to conduct a safety test on all 143 nuclear plants in Europe, there was a certain sense of relief. However, it was announced last month by the British authorities that they did not intend to include the plant at Sellafield in the examination. I do not understand this decision. The spokesperson for the British authorities sounded like Mrs. Margaret Thatcher who once said, "Out, out, out," when she replied, "No, no, no." They claim the plant does not produce nuclear energy and is now a reprocessing facility. Therefore, they do not intend to include it in the safety audit. I know the Minister has spoken to the Secretary of State with responsibility for the plant. However, to the best of my knowledge, he has not received any word which would put his mind at rest. Will the Leader make sure the Minister receives an answer and tells us whether the plant at Sellafield will be included by the British authorities in the examination of nuclear plants? I happen to be one of those who believes nuclear power has a future and that we should ensure, if we are to have it as a energy source in the future, it is safe. There are very serious concerns about its safety. An effort is being made to ensure safety tests will take place, but the plant at Sellafield has been excluded from the audit. Will the Leader make sure we receive an answer from the Minister on whether he has succeeded in getting an reply on this issue? Are we still waiting for a response such as that given by Mrs. Margaret Thatcher - "Out, out, out" - although we have stated we are concerned about the issue?