Liz McManus (Wicklow, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 106: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if, in view of his calls for a debate on nuclear power, he has plans to propose a change in legislation that would legalise the development of nuclear power stations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14664/08]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context

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 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". My position is clear and consistent on the question of a debate on nuclear power. I welcome and encourage debate on the issue and I have previously suggested the Oireachtas Committee on Climate Change and Energy Security as an appropriate forum for such a debate.

I would, however, stress that 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. Ireland's position on nuclear generation is shared by several EU Member States. The EU Reform Treaty reaffirms the fundamental right of Member States to determine their own choice between different energy resources and the general structure of their energy supply. Any debate on nuclear power should be set in the context of the actions, which the Government is taking to deliver fully sustainable and diverse energy resources in transport, heating and power generation. In each of the three areas of energy use I firmly believe that we have sustainable solutions. In my view the priority should be to accelerate delivery on our targets for renewable energies and energy efficiency. However, I would welcome a debate where those with a different view can advance their case for a different approach.