Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The Government of Ireland and its people have long been concerned about the potential impacts on Ireland, including the Irish Sea, from nuclear activities in the United Kingdom. Although Ireland does not have a nuclear power industry, it is Ireland's position that where a State chooses either to develop a nuclear power industry or, in this case, to consider expanding its existing nuclear power industry, this must always be done in accordance with the highest international standards with respect to safety and environmental protection. Ireland's priority is the safety of the Irish people and the protection of our environment, including the shared marine environment of the Irish Sea.

The UK announced and published its draft energy national policy statement in November 2009, which signalled the UK's intention to construct ten new nuclear power stations at sites judged as potentially suitable. This was subsequently revised in October 2010, when the number of planned stations was reduced to eight, following the dropping of two sites originally proposed for Cumbria, near the existing Sellafield facility.

It is incorrect to state there was no consultation with the Irish Government, and I will set out why this is the case. Since the original announcement by the UK, we have written twice at ministerial level to the UK Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change outlining concerns about the potential environmental impacts on Ireland and on the Irish Sea. The key issues of concern raised in those letters include the assessments by the UK of effects on the environment, management of radioactive waste and the rationale underpinning the proposed justification decision for new nuclear facilities. The engagement with the UK at ministerial level has also been supported and informed by a continuing dialogue at official level under which Irish officials engage and raise concerns, where appropriate, with UK officials involved in the development and implementation of the plans. In parallel, the Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland, RPII, given its statutory advisory role to the Government, was asked to carry out an assessment of the potential radiological impacts on Ireland from the programme of new nuclear power plants in the UK, including the plant at Hinkley Point. Therefore, I am doing something at expert and agency level to ensure the safety of the Irish people in this respect.

The RPII assessment considers both routine operations and a range of postulated accident scenarios at the plants. The assessment is being finalised and I expect to receive it very shortly. It will then be published and the RPII will provide briefings for interested parties, so the Senator may wish to receive a briefing. This assessment will be of considerable assistance to Ireland in quantifying scientifically the risk profile to Ireland arising from each of the UK nuclear new-build facilities, including the facility at Hinkley Point. This will enable Ireland to engage constructively with UK authorities to continue to ensure that the interests of Ireland are strongly represented.

As well as regular engagement as official level, the RPII has been heavily involved in monitoring UK nuclear activities and advising my Department, and will also be responsible for monitoring the effects of day-to-day operations of any new facilities on Ireland, particularly on the Irish Sea.

It should be noted that under the EURATOM treaty, the United Kingdom was required to satisfy the European Commission that the development at Hinkley Point would not result in the radioactive contamination of the water, soil or airspace of another member state. In that context, a Commission opinion, issued in February 2012, considered that in normal operating conditions discharges of liquid and gaseous radioactive effluents were not likely to result in exposure of the population of another member state, which is significant from the point of view of health.

It is my intention that the improved engagement between Ireland and the United Kingdom on nuclear matters will continue. This will ensure the Government and the people will be in a position to be properly informed of radiation developments in the United Kingdom of interest to them, as well as conveying concerns or issues arising directly to the relevant UK authorities.