Frank Crowley
Question:33 Mr. Crowley asked the Minister for Energy if he will seek a revision of the permitted radiation exposure limits under the Euratom Treaty, in view of the findings of the Gardner report.
Written Answers. - Radiation Exposure Limits.
The study by Professor Gardner in the UK is a source of grave concern and appears to have serious implications for the workers at Sellafield and their children. The report indicates a possible link between levels of radiation to which Sellafield workers can be exposed and leukaemia. It also states that no link between increased leukaemia and environmental radioactivity was found. The Irish public would, of course, be exposed to radioactivity from Sellafield through the environment.I understand that the Gardner report will be followed up by further research in the UK and any additional findings will be scrutinised by my Department.
The International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) — an independent group of experts in the field of radiological protection — are at present drawing up revised limits for exposure to ionising radiation, based on recent research. It is likely that the limits will be lowered considerably. It is expected that the EC will revise the Directive on Basic Safety Standards — Council Directive 80/836/Euratom as amended by Council Directive 34/467/Euratom — in line with the ICRP's recommendations. The Commission have already commenced work on such a revision and are currently consulting the group of experts established under Article 31 of the Euratom Treaty.
The Nuclear Energy Board have for a number of years applied lower dose limits than those in the present directive by keeping standards as exacting as reasonably achieveable. Workers in Ireland are, therefore, afforded, through the NEB's licensing system, a very high standard of radiation protection.