Sir, - In her reference to the Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland (February 6th) Ms Nuala Ahern MEP, appears unwilling to accept the message, and therefore opts to shoot the messenger.
Ms Ahern is clearly unhappy that the RPII makes known its finding that the level of radioactivity in the Irish Sea due to discharges from Sellafield does not, up to now, constitute a significant hazard to health.
This finding is the outcome of an extensive sampling and measurement programme carried out over many years. It does not, of course, alter the fact that the discharge of any radioactive waste into the Irish Sea is objectionable in principle from the viewpoint of this country, and the RPII has always said this.
Ireland's case against Sellafield rests on several substantial grounds - notably the risk of a major accident. These grounds have been widely publicised by the Government, the RPII and others. The case does not require the suppression of other information just because it lends less support to the case than might have been expected. - Yours, etc.,
Information Officer,
Radiological Protection
Institute of Ireland, Clonskeagh Square, Clonskeagh Road, Dublin 14.