Michael D Higgins (Galway West, Labour)
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Question 276: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he has been in contact with the British Government following recent disclosures that it is planned to open ten new nuclear facilities there predominantly on the west coast; his views on same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41930/09]

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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As an EU Member State, Ireland recognises the right of every Member State to determine its own energy mix. It is a matter for the UK Government to determine its own energy policy, and nuclear energy has been a part of that policy for many years. My Department is in regular contact with the relevant UK Government Departments and agencies on radiological protection matters and nuclear safety. The Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland (RPII) also has regular contact with the regulatory bodies responsible for radiological protection and nuclear safety in the UK, and meets frequently with my Department to discuss these matters.

Through these ongoing contacts, I am informed of key policy developments with regard to nuclear power in the UK. As part of this ongoing contact, my Department and the RPII continue to discuss the UK's plans to build new nuclear power stations with the relevant UK officials and regulators. I mentioned the issue during a meeting last week with the UK Ambassador and I have asked my officials to follow up on the UK proposals recently published for consultation at a meeting with British officials next week, and to seek information predominantly on any safety and waste issues associated with the proposals.

As a non-nuclear nation, Ireland does not stand to benefit from the next wave of developments in nuclear energy, but must still bear any transboundary risks which might arise from these facilities. In view of this, the Government continues to press for the fullest possible information from the UK authorities on activities that might contribute to that risk, and the need for any planned nuclear facilities to conform to international safety standards is of clear importance in this regard. My Department's priority in all discussions with the UK on its nuclear energy programme is the safety of the Irish people and the protection of our environment, particularly the shared marine environment of the Irish Sea.