The Green Party has described as "unacceptable" the three per cent increase the Government has proposed for the country’s defence against nuclear emergencies.
Speaking at the Green Party’s publication of its pre-budget submission, party leader Mr Trevor Sargent TD said the increase would barely cover day-to-day costs of the programme.
"At a time when there is increasing concern over Sellafield, the country’s nuclear defence agency has received a paltry three per cent increase in spending which is not even enough to cover rising inflation," Mr Sargent said.
He also criticised the proposed spending cut on environmental projects by the Minister for Finance McCreevy. Mr Sargeant said the Government was likely to end up in front of the European Court again for its continued failure to implement EU directives on the environment.
Funding for pollution control, recycling and anti-litter measures had all been cut, he said, and An Bord Pleanála, the agency that polices planning applications, has seen its allocation down by 13 per cent - to £7.98 million from £9.19 million.
Architectural heritage preservation has been halved, down 44 per cent from £4.73 million to £2.65 million, and coastal zone protection is down seven per cent.
"It is plainly clear from these estimates that the Government is acting like an unrepentant criminal. With these environmental cutbacks, the Government seems certain to have its day in court once again," Mr Sargent said
His comments coincide with the opening of Ireland’s UN challenge to the UK’s decision to open the MOX nuclear recycling plant at Sellafield.
The hearing, in front of the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea, began this morning and is expected to sit until tomorrow afternoon.