THE Government last night backed a Fianna Fail move to get agreement in principle on State funding of the case being taken by four Irish people against British Nuclear Fuels Ltd.
The Fianna Fail motion also calls on the Government to enter immediately into negotiations with the STAD Group to ensure the Government is removed as a defendant and so remove the remaining obstacle to Government funding of the case.
The Minister of State for Transport, Energy and Communications, Mr Emmet Stagg told the Seanad the amendment enhanced a Labour motion be fore the House. He wanted this bipartisan approach to continue. "It is most desirable that this House, the Governments and people are at one on this national issue."
Mr Stagg said the decision of the Supreme Court which had finally established the jurisdiction of the Irish courts to hear the substantive case brought by a group of Co Louth residents against BNFL, concerning the THORP reprocessing plant, was very welcome. "I want to pay tribute to those four brave people who have selflessly stuck to their guns - with no possibility of personal gain - and with the potential for great personal loss. Their stand has been compared to David and Goliath - we know the result of that contest." Legal issues arising from the judgment were being assessed in conjunction with the Attorney General.
Mr Stagg said he had offered to meet the plaintiffs involved in the case because it had been indicated publicly on their behalf that they were anxious to co operate with the State towards the shared objectives of both parties. "The latest correspondence I have received from the plaintiffs' solicitors points out that they would prefer a meeting on this subject with legal representatives attending on both sides. I have sought urgent comments on this modified suggestion from the Attorney General. My colleague, the Minister for the Environment, is calling a meeting of the Committee of Ministers on Sellafield tomorrow at which this subject is being discussed. It is clear that there is widespread opposition in this country to all operations at Sellafield. The Government's committed to taking all possible action open to it to secure the objective of the eventual closure of the plant."
Mr Michael Mulcahy (FF) said those taking the case were to be commended for their endurance and their bravery. The legal advisers were also deserving of praise. Mr Joe O'Toole (Ind) said there would be a nightmare scenario in which Ireland would be left a wasteland if there was a serious technical or human error in this plant just loo miles across the Irish Sea.