Mr President, the events in recent months in relation to the drug smuggling of plutonium from the Commonwealth of Independent States into the European Union is frightening and unprecedented.

It once again highlights the dangers of nuclear materials which are produced without appropriate consideration being taken into account towards the public health of those who may be affected by these nuclear chemicals.

At the outset, no smuggling of plutonium would be taking place if plants such as the Thorp and Sellafield nuclear plants were not producing plutonium, the key chemical component for nuclear weapons.

We are all deeply worried by the possible effects for public health of nuclear materials being in the possession of tyrants, criminals and aggressive war-like demagogues.

But what about the analogy of the likely effects on public health of the people of Ireland from a discharge of plutonium from the Thorp and Sellafield nuclear plants?

The plant is discredited with no public support as well as being constructed without an independent assessment impact scheme being carried out.

The opposition to close the Thorp and Sellafield nuclear plants must continue and intensify. I would seek the support of new prospective Member States to the Union such as Sweden, Finland and Austria who have strong environmental standards, to join in the battle to close Sellafield and Thorp nuclear plants.