asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the action which has been taken or which he intends to take consequent upon lessons learned in the aftermath of the Chernobyl incident; and if he will made a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Chernobyl Incident.
30.
The Chernobyl incident underlined the transboundary effects of such accidents. It also illustrated the need to set up a plan to provide a quick response to radiological consequences of any future accident and to co-ordinate the functions and activities of the different organisations involved. Such a plan has been approved by Government and the arrangements for putting the plan in place are being co-ordinated by my colleague, the Minister for Energy. These arrangements will take some time to complete but already we are far better equipped to deal with a Chernobyl type accident than ever before.
The maximum levels of radioactive contamination permitted in foodstuffs have been laid down by the European Community. The Nuclear Energy Board in conjunction with my Department conducts a comprehensive on-going programme of radiation monitoring of agricultural produce for the home and export markets. Tha analysis and results show that our products are within internationally accepted standards and safe for human consumption.
In the context of the plan I referred to earlier, it is envisaged that my Department would, in the event of an emergency arising from a nuclear accident, have responsibility for the control of movement of agricultural produce and animals, as well as the continuing monitoring of food products.