Minister for the Environment Dick Roche:Has voiced his total opposition to nuclear technology.

"I do not accept the argument that the nuclear option can provide a solution to problems of climate change and energy supply. The reality is that the nuclear industry carries with it serious environmental, nuclear proliferation and safety risks."

The Labour Party:In its recent response to the energy Green Paper it made its position clear: "Ireland must remain nuclear-free."

The Commission for Energy Regulation: The regulator says it accepts the Government's position on nuclear energy, but does support the idea of having Oireachtas hearings into the subject.

Ictu:Its latest energy document says the debate on Irish energy policy "should give serious consideration to nuclear energy". However, it says the safety and environmental issues associated with nuclear power "must be fully analysed".

Forfás:Released a report last April warning that because global oil supplies are dwindling, other options need to be considered. The report stated: "Another option for Ireland to secure its long-run energy security, especially in relation to electricity generation, will be to consider developing the use of nuclear energy."

ESB:The company's chairman says Ireland will eventually have to build nuclear stations like other European countries. Tadhg O'Donoghue said last July: "If I were to come back into this world in 50 years' time, there will be nuclear. No question about it. We'll have to solve a lot of the problems and this is where the investment euros must go. Because it is a perfectly renewable energy."

Ibec:The employers' group recently called on the Government to commission a study "into the potential of nuclear power in Ireland and re-evaluate its position based on this evidence".