Government calls for EU nuclear treaty to undergo radical review

The Government has called for a radical review of the European treaty governing the management and use of nuclear power in the EU.The Minister of State for Europe, Mr Dick Roche, said the treaty was years old, and was written for a different era.

He said there was matters "of great concern" to Ireland, such as the operational safety of nuclear power plants and radioactive waste storage or disposal facilities.

The Euratom treaty of 1957 established the European Atomic Energy Community, which is legally separate to the EU but shares membership and institutions.

Mr Roche said the Government had decided to endorse Austria's call on the EU Inter-Governmental Conference to initiate a separate review of the Euratom treaty.

"While I appreciate that this is a matter of great sensitivity for EU members that have significant nuclear industries, the matter is also a sensitive matter for member-states who do not," he said.