Gormley attacks stance on nuclear dumping

Ireland's submission to this week's OSPAR conference on the marine environment is too weak, according to the Green Party environment spokesman, Mr John Gormley TD.

The Government, in focusing on discharges of radioactive technetium 99, a by-product of spent nuclear fuel which is known to accumulate in shellfish, is ignoring the fact that discharges of other radioactive isotopes like iodine must also be opposed, according to Mr Gormley.

Ireland is expected to call for discharges to be reduced to pre1994 levels, with the ultimate aim being a total ban.

But Mr Gormley expressed doubts that Britain and France would sign such an agreement.

"Ireland is going to have to do some very effective lobbying to get Britain and France onside," Mr Gormley said - decisions taken by delegates at the conference have to be unanimous to be legally binding.

Disposal of offshore installations will also be on the agenda, with the Minister for the Marine, Mr Woods, favouring a land-based approach.