Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick East, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 160: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on recent media reports that Prime Minister Blair has endorsed a new generation of nuclear power plants in the United Kingdom; if he and his Department have expressed their reaction and concern to the British Government; if the possible locations of new power plants has been divulged; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19728/06]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

As the House will be aware, the Government are strongly opposed to nuclear power. We consider that the industry carries serious environmental, health and safety risks. Our position is informed by our experience of Sellafield, where there is a long history of low safety standards.

The proposal for a new generation of nuclear power plants in the United Kingdom is being considered in the context of the British Government's energy review, which is expected to be published in mid-year. We are aware also of Prime Minister Blair's recent comments on the matter. My colleague the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Dick Roche, T.D. has made a contribution to the UK energy review in which the strong concerns of the Government were outlined clearly.

While no decision has been made as to where any new nuclear power plants might be built, I addressed this matter at a recent meeting with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Mr. Peter Hain. I reiterated our opposition to nuclear power, and I stressed that the Irish Government would be completely opposed to the building of any nuclear plants on the island of Ireland. The Northern Secretary acknowledged that there was no support, North or South, for the siting of a nuclear reactor on the island of Ireland.

Both Minister Roche and I will be attending a summit meeting of the British Irish Council in London on 2 June. While the main topic of the summit will be Climate Change, we also intend to raise the issue of cooperation on nuclear safety and emergency planning.