Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 19 May 1999

Vol. 505 No. 1

Written Answers. - Radiation Protection Standards.

John Gormley

Question:

42 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Public Enterprise Ireland's position in relation to Directive 96/29/EURATOM which will set radiation protection standards throughout Europe and which all member states must adopt by May 2000; if she will propose means of labelling consumer goods such as cans, toys and saucepans which contain re-used radioactive material; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13039/99]

Minister of State at the Department of Public Enterprise (Mr. Jacob)

My Department, in conjunction with the Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland, has recently released a consultation document on this directive. The document, in respect of which comments have been invited from interested parties, contains proposals for a revised ministerial order which would transpose the directive into Irish law.

The directive includes a provision whereby the disposal, recycling or reuse of materials containing very low levels of radioactive contamination may be released from the requirements of the directive subject to compliance with clearance levels established by the national competent authorities in the member states and based on cri teria specified in Annex 1 to the directive. The RPII, which was closely involved in the EU negotiations on this directive, has indicated that the criteria set out in the directive will ensure that members of the public are adequately protected.

As to the question of labelling of consumer goods mentioned by the Deputy, I am advised by the RPII that they are not aware of any radiological risk to consumers from such products on sale in Ireland. Accordingly, there is no need to label such products at present.