asked the Minister for Energy the steps being taken to monitor the continuing levels of radiation arising from the Chernobyl accident; and the steps being taken to monitor levels in the sea and air on the east coast arising from the Sellafield plant.
Written Answers. - Radiation Levels.
38.
The Nuclear Energy Board is continuing to monitor levels of radioactivity in the environment and in foodstuffs in order to assess the contamination levels arising from the Chernobyl accident.
The board collects and analyses samples of milk from dairies around the country. Levels of caesium detected are now in the region of two becquerels per litre compared with values of 300 becquerels per litre detected soon after Chernobyl. All traces of iodine have now disappeared. The board is also sampling a wide range of milk products including milk powder and butter for the home market and also for certification for export and purchasing into intervention. Levels of caesium detected in these various products were all below the levels laid down by the EC of 600 becquerels for foodstuffs and 370 for milk products for infant consumption.
The board is continuing to monitor levels of radioactivity in beef, lamb and cereals. The levels of caesium in beef and lamb are now considerably less than the levels recorded soon after the Chernobyl accident. Levels of caesium in grain from this year's crops are barely detectable. In addition levels of radioactivity in silage and in soils and pastureland are being examined.
Monitoring of air filters at stations in Dublin and Valentia is continuing. This programme is carried out with the assistance of the Department of Communications and the Meterological Service. Levels of radioactivity have now returned to pre-Chernobyl levels.
In addition regular monitoring of imported foodstuffs is also undertaken by the board. Samples are taken at point of importation and random checks are made of products being sold in the Irish market. All of the samples taken were below the levels laid down by the EC and no control measures have been required.
Additional staff, equipment and improved facilities have been approved to assist the board to carry out this programme.
The levels of radioactivity arising from the Sellafield Nuclear Reprocessing Plant are continuously monitored as part of the ongoing monitoring programme of the Irish marine environment operated by the Nuclear Energy Board.
This programme includes the measurement of radioactive contamination in seawater, sediments, seaweeds, fish and shellfish. Sea-water and sediment samples are collected during research cruises of the Irish Sea using the research vessel. "Lough Beltra". Seaweed and sediment samples are collected from the Irish coastline, fish and shellfish from commercial landings at the principal Irish fishing ports. The board has reported that the radioactive dose to the Irish public arising from an average consumption of fish would be less than 1 per cent of the European Community dose limit and less than 2 per cent of the dose from naturally occurring radiation. The board has advised that there should be no concern about eating fish from the Irish Sea.
A joint Irish-Spanish cruise of North East Atlantic waters, partly funded by my Department and the board, to monitor levels of and distribution of radioactivity, and to see the extent of penetration of discharges from reprocessing plants at Sellafield and Cap de la Hague was undertaken this year. Results of this study should be published next year. Arrangements with the Department of Defence to have naval vessels collect sea-water samples on behalf of the board are being finalised.
The monitoring programme of radioactivity in the air carried out in Dublin has not detected an increase in levels arising from Sellafield.
A copy of the board's report on its monitoring programme of the Irish marine environment from 1982-84 has been placed in the Dáil Library.