Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 265: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the extent to which he has had discussions with groups interested in the provision or promotion of nuclear energy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18308/07]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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Since taking office I have not as yet had any meetings or discussions with groups interested in promoting nuclear energy. As I have indicated I am open to such discussions and believe in informed debate on nuclear energy as indeed with all aspects of energy policy.

As the Deputy is aware the use of nuclear fission for the generation of electricity in Ireland is statutorily prohibited under Section 18 subsection 6 of the Electricity Regulation Act 1999. It is also relevant in this context that Section 3 of the Planning and Development (Strategic Infrastructure) Act 2006 Act amends the Planning and Development Act 2000 to state that "Nothing in this Act shall be construed as enabling the authorisation of development consisting of an installation for the generation of electricity by nuclear fission".

The Energy Policy Framework makes it clear that the Government fully intends to maintain the statutory prohibition on nuclear generation in Ireland. The Government strongly believes that nuclear power is neither sustainable nor an answer to Ireland's energy needs. The Programme for Government commitments in relation to nuclear energy and Sellafield are a clear statement of our position and our intent in Europe in relation to nuclear energy.