Disclosure of French nuclear memorandum
Desmond asked for the French memorandum on nuclear energy submitted at the European Council to be placed in the Oireachtas Library, alleging it could promote reactor sales and influence Ireland’s choices. The Taoiseach said he would check whether disclosure was proper and assured the House Ireland would not yield to commercial pressure.
I ask that a copy of the memorandum submitted by the French to the heads of government at the Council meeting on nuclear energy be placed in the Library of the Houses of the Oireachtas. I understand this is a memorandum submitted to the Taoiseach for his approval prior to the energy Ministers dealing with the question of nuclear energy. Has the Taoiseach given his approval to that memorandum? Could we see a copy of it?
Comment on this
I do not know whether my approval of a memorandum issuing from a member country is called for. As far as making a copy of the memorandum available is concerned I would have to check the propriety of such an action.
Comment on this
Is the Taoiseach aware that the French in particular have been trying to flog nuclear reactors to this country and other countries and that the purpose of the exercise of the memorandum submitted to him in Strasbourg was to pre-empt and commit him along certain lines of purchase and that we are entitled to see that memorandum?
Comment on this
I want to assure the House, and the Deputy in particular, that we will not be subject to any commercial pressures from any source. We look to our own future and to our own good in whatever decision will ultimately be taken.
