Ireland has ratified the International Convention on Nuclear Safety, the Minister of State at the Department of Transport, Energy and Communications' Mr Emmet Stagg, said yesterday.
The convention, which aims to ensure the safety and regulation of nuclear installations world wide, was drawn up under the United Nations International Atomic Energy Agency.
Ireland is the 23rd state of a possible 63 signatories to ratify the convention. Ratifications by two more states with active nuclear power generation is required before the convention can come into force.
Ireland will be in a position to discuss the obligations of states operating nuclear power stations. The convention is expected to come into force by the end of the year, according to the Minister.