John Deasy (Waterford, Fine Gael)
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Question 274: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if his Department will commission a comprehensive financial analysis or assessment of the feasibility of constructing and operating a nuclear reactor; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32850/07]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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The Government believes that nuclear power is neither sustainable nor the answer to Ireland's energy needs. The use of nuclear fission for the generation of electricity in Ireland is statutorily prohibited under Section 18(6) of the Electricity Regulation Act 1999. Furthermore, Section 3 of the Planning and Development (Strategic Infrastructure) Act 2006 states 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 and the Programme for Government make it clear that the Government fully intends to maintain the statutory prohibition on nuclear generation in Ireland. In these circumstances the Department will not be undertaking a feasibility study on the construction of a nuclear reactor.