asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs whether Ireland was consulted by the ENEA about the 1971 operation of dumping packaged solid radioactive wastes in the Atlantic Ocean; whether consultations have taken place regarding the 1972 operation; and, if so, if he will give details of the date, location and manner of dumping.

We were consulted by the ENEA about both the 1971 and 1972 disposal operations.

This year's operation will be conducted on 19th June and 10th July and the material will be dumped into very deep waters of the eastern Atlantic beyond the continental shelf in such a manner as to present no hazard to human or marine life.

Would the Minister like to indicate the latitude and longitude of the proposed dumping?

Is the Deputy going swimming?

I want to avoid the area.

The Deputy will hardly be out that far. It is 900 kilometres south west of Land's End and 450 kilometres beyond the edge of the Continental Shelf.

We know exactly where it is.

It is at a depth of 4,500 metres. If the Deputy goes that far we will have no worries.

Does the Gulf stream pass over that point?

No.

It will all be washed up at Spanish Point.