asked the Minister for Energy if he will specify (a) the training and (b) the equipment provided to those who have responsibility for protecting people from the effect of radioactive fall-out resulting from peace-time disasters caused by power station accidents; if he will specify and identify the particular responsibilities of the groups that would be involved, with the extent of the responsibilities in each area; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Radioactive Fall-out. Contingency Plans.
17.
Following the Chernobyl accident I set up an Interdepartmental Committee to coordinate measures for dealing with the consequences of that accident and to draw up an emergency plan for dealing with any future nuclear accident which might affect this country. It became evident at an early stage that the Nuclear Energy Board would require additional resources for its environmental monitoring programme.
In May, 1986 a sum of £383,000 was approved for office and laboratory facilities for the Nuclear Energy Board. In addition £60,000 was provided for equipment and provision was made for five extra staff.
As monitoring demands continued to increase in the wake of the Chernobyl accident, the Nuclear Energy Board sought and was granted an additional £167,000 for further monitoring equipment and four extra staff. To assist in a monitoring programme at national level, in the event of a nuclear accident, the Civil Defence organisation have acquired about 60 new dose rate meters capable of reading low levels down to background radiation.
The Nuclear Energy Board has the responsibility for monitoring radioactive contamination which might result from fallout and for advising on its potential impact. During the assessment of the Chernobyl fallout, the Irish universities and the Civil Defence organisation gave substantial assistance to the Nuclear Energy Board. It is envisaged that this collaboration would continue in any future emergency.
The role envisaged for the Civil Defence organisation in the event of nuclear accidents has been extended to include: monitoring radiation levels throughout the country; monitoring radiation levels on ships, aircraft and vehicles at seaports, airports and border crossings, and implementing decontamination measures as necessary; providing samples of water, grass, vegetables etc. for analysis; assisting as may be decided in implementation of control measures.
The responsibility for implementing any control measures which might be required following a nuclear accident rests with various Departments and statutory authorities within their particular fields of expertise. For example the Department of Health is currently examining the response which might be required from the health services in the event of such an accident.
The purpose of the emergency plan currently being formulated is to establish a structure which will provide a co-ordinated response to a nuclear accident from all responsible departments and authorities. The plan will identify the particular responsibilities of those involved.
As regards training, there are trained personnel in the various organisations which would be called upon to participate in an emergency. For example most staff at the Nuclear Energy Board are widely experienced and the recently recruited staff are undergoing appropriate training. Civil Defence are being trained to carry out their role in anticipation of the adoption of an emergency plan.