John Browne
Question:27 Mr. Browne (Carlow-Kilkenny) asked the Minister for Defence the role of his Department in relation to the national emergency plan for a nuclear accident; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9261/99]
Written Answers. - National Emergency Plan.
Frances Fitzgerald
Question:129 Ms Fitzgerald asked the Minister for Defence the role of his Department in relation to the national emergency plan for a nuclear accident; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9321/99]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 27 and 129 together.
The Department of Public Enterprise has prime responsibility for emergency planning for nuclear accidents.
My Department has a significant role in the preparation and exercise of emergency plans for nuclear accidents particularly in the years subsequent to the catastrophic destruction of a nuclear reactor in Chernobyl in 1985. As I indicated to the House on 25 February, my Depart ment has played its full part in such planning which is carried out under the auspices of my colleague in the Department of Public Enterprise. The Government approved a national emergency plan for nuclear accidents and this was published in booklet form in 1992 by the Department of Energy. The plan is designed to provide a rapid and effective response to accidents involving the release, or potential release, of radioactive substances into the environment which could give rise to radiation exposure. This culminated late last year in Government approval of a revised and approved format for such emergency management.
My Department ensures that the planning and preparations are in place to provide an effective response. Arrangements with local authorities to have an effective civil defence organisation available to undertake the various duties assigned under the emergency plan are ongoing. Civil Defence personnel are trained, equipped and exercised to monitor radiation levels and to collect samples of soil, vegetation etc. Arrangements are in place for Army personnel to monitor radiation levels at pre-determined and other locations.
In times of crisis my Department will provide such services as may be required from the Permanent Defence Force and civil defence to assist with the implementation of counter measures. Liaison will be maintained with the Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland and the Emergency Co-ordinating Committee at the Department of Public Enterprise to ensure provision of the appropriate support.