Well, before we go running for the hills, let’s make sure of a few things. From the article it was unclear whether the plant reprocesses fuel for nuclear weapons or for nuclear power generation. Weapons grade Pu is not the same thing as a reprocessed power plant fuel rod. The one quote that claims the missing material is “bomb-grade” is from an anti-nuke activist and may not be entirely accurate.

Secondly, this is an audit of a paper trail. I think it is far more likely that someone goofed up a tracking form than someone walking out of the building with 19 kg of Pu in their pants pocket.

Hell, even if you were taking it out a milligram at a time, you are still talking about having to use remote handling equipment, thousands of lbs of shielding etc.

I have an Irish friend who works for SkyNews. I'll ask him.