SENATORS are expected to decide today to send an all party message to the British government calling on it to drop the planned nuclear waste storage facility at Sellafield.
The House should combine on this national issue, as it had done on the need for a reopening of the inquiry into the events of Bloody Sunday, according to the Fianna Fail Leader in the Seanad, Mr G.V. Wright.
The House should send the strongest possible message to the British government of its total opposition to the Nirex proposal, he said. Such a move would be especially appropriate at a time when the Cumbria County Council, including all its Tory members, was making known its concerns.
Stressing the need for an all party approach, Mr Wright said the envisaged underground facility would affect every part of this country.
Supporting his call, Ms Jan O'Sullivan (Lab) said that Mr Emmet Stagg, the Minister who was dealing with this issue, was taking a very strong stand on behalf of the Government. It was important that the House throw its weight behind moves to convey the concerns of all the Irish people. .
Mr Tom Fitzgerald (FF) described as "absolutely scandalous what was happening just a few dozen miles from our coastline. A united front would be of immense value in attempts to get the British to change their minds, he contended.
The leader of the House, Mr Maurice Manning, welcomed the suggestion of an all party motion. Time could be set aside today for a special debate, he said.
