asked the Minister for Transport and Power what machinery is available for the detection of the amount of radioactive material being used in this country.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Radiation Control.
9.
I assume that the Deputy is interested in the administrative machinery for the prevention of excessive exposure to radiation of persons in contact with radioactive materials or the general public.
The controls which are at present exercised over radioactive materials are as follows:—
The Minister for Health has power to control the use of radioactive materials in the interests of health and safety. He has proceeded so far by way of voluntary controls operated on his behalf by the National Radiation Monitoring Service. This service has organised a film badge service for continuously measuring the radiation dose received by those working with irradiating apparatus. This service is availed of by all hospitals and many commercial firms. The service also advises hospitals, dentists and commercial enterprises on the use of such apparatus and the safeguards necessary for the protection of workers and of the public from radiation spillage. The service undertakes the monitoring of radioactivity in the Irish sea through the monitoring of samples of sea-water, fish and seaweed from selected sites off the Irish coast. The Meteorological Service of my Department carries out regular measurements of the radioactivity of precipitation, settled dust and airborne particles in a number of selected locations throughout the country. In addition, measurements of Strontium-90 activity are made by the Meteorological Service on milk samples supplied by the Department of Health and the results are conveyed to that Department.
The Minister for Labour under the Factories Act, 1955, may seek a court order prohibiting the dangerous storage and use of radioactive materials in any factory, construction site, et cetera where they may be stored or in use without adequate safety and health precautions. In addition, draft regulations to control exposure of industrial workers to radiation have been prepared by the Minister for Labour and will be made in the near future.
It is proposed in the Nuclear Energy Bill, 1971 to set up a Nuclear Energy Board which will have the function of advising the Government and Minister on nuclear matters generally including appropriate protective measures and the need for any further controls over radioactive substances. The Bill when enacted will also give power to introduce any regulatory measures considered necessary.