Vol. 463 No. 8
70 Mr. D. Ahern asked the Minister for Health the action, if any, he proposes to take in order to minimise the public concern regarding the continuing radioactivity levels discernible from the Chernobyl fall-out; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7393/96]
Limerick East): The monitoring of radioactivity levels here is carried out by the Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland, which operates radiation measurement sites at a number of locations throughout the State. A comprehensive environmental monitoring programme is carried out on an ongoing basis by the institute. This involves measurement of radioactivity in the air, in rainfall, on the ground, in drinking water, soils, vegetation, live animals and foodstuffs. The marine environment is also monitored. The institute publishes reports of its monitoring programmes.
The main locations here affected by fallout due to the accident at Chernobyl in 1986 were upland peaty areas. The institute still continues to monitor live animals, mostly sheep, and sheep meat samples from these areas. The results indicate that regular consumption of sheep meat does not constitute a significant health hazard. While the institute has advised there is no evidence of continuing fall-out contamination, nevertheless it will continue to monitor the situation.
The Deputy may be interested to know that the Radiological Protection Institute has organised a conference on radiological protection which will include a review of the health impact of the Chernobyl accident. It will take place on 30 April next.
