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Minister Gormley welcomes new European Commission proposal for a Nuclear Safety Directive

27/11/08

-Ireland to insist on highest  safety standards-

The Minister for the Environment Heritage and Local Government, Mr. John Gormley, T.D. today (26 November 2008) welcomed the publication by the European Commission of a proposal for a Council Directive setting up a Community Framework for Nuclear Safety. The proposed Nuclear Safety Directive was previously discussed under the 2004 Irish Presidency. Minister Gormley commended Commissioner Andris Piebalgs for now bringing forward this proposal for discussion.

As a non-nuclear State, Ireland takes the view that the transboundary risks and impacts arising from nuclear installations must be fully reflected in the instruments, structures and institutions of the EU. The proposed Nuclear Safety Directive ties in with this objective to achieve, maintain and continuously improve nuclear safety and its regulation in the European Community.

“I will engage fully with my colleagues the  EU Environment Ministers to ensure the highest nuclear safety standards will apply to this directive.  I am not interested in lip-service what I want to see are real identifiable safeguards which will reflect the genuine concerns of the  Government and the Irish people. This directive must address those concerns and provide the necessary safeguards,” said Minister Gormley

Minister Gormley added: “It is clear that Ireland is not alone in its concerns about nuclear energy. These concerns arise from the serious issues of waste, adverse environmental impacts from discharges, proliferation, liability, marine transport, safety and security.  Ireland actively supports the concept of harmonised safety standards for nuclear plants that are both rigorous and transparent to ensure a high level of nuclear safety in all Member States."

Minister Gormley continued: “A Nuclear Safety Directive will oblige Member States to provide adequate resources to support the safety of nuclear installations and to cover decommissioning costs, as well as make suitable arrangements for the management of radioactive waste. I look forward to Ireland’s participation in forthcoming Council negotiations to build a consensus on the content of the proposed Directive that will then enable its adoption by Member States at the earliest  opportunity.”


The Council negotiations are likely to commence under the current French Presidency and conclude during the Swedish Presidency in the latter half of next year.

ENDS


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