Vol. 530 No. 3
88 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Public Enterprise the findings to date with regard to the ongoing marine radioactivity monitoring programme; the ongoing research into radiological impacts; the assessment of any potential risks; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3276/01]
The Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland, in accordance with its statutory responsibilities, carries out a marine radioactivity monitoring and research programme throughout the year. The primary objective of the ongoing programme is to assess the exposure of the population resulting from radioactive contamination of the marine environment. The programme involves the routine sampling and testing of radioactivity in fish, shellfish, seaweed, sediments and seawater. The RPII publishes the results of its programme in a series of marine monitoring reports, which are also available on the RPII's website – www.rpii.ie. The RPII also updates its website with data on a quarterly basis.
Discharges of radioactive waste from the British Nuclear Fuels reprocessing plant at Sellafield continue to be the dominant source of radioactive contamination of the marine environment. Arising from its marine monitoring and research programme, it is the view of the RPII that the doses received by the Irish public through the consumption of seafood, walking on the beaches or engaging in any other marine-based activity are low and do not constitute a significant health risk.
The continued contamination of the marine environment from the Sellafield plant is totally unacceptable and I am continuing to maintain the maximum pressure on the UK authorities for the cessation of radioactive discharges.
Question Nos. 89 and 90 answered with Question No. 37.
Question No. 91 answered with Question No. 50.
