The 1996 directive referred to is the responsibility of the Minister for Public Enterprise.
A statutory instrument to transpose EU Directive 97/43/Euratom of 30 June 1997 is currently being prepared in my Department and should be ready for introduction by mid-year. With regard to the safety of patients and medical staff, measures are already in place under a previous directive.
Directive 97/43 is wider in scope than the previous directive and consultation was necessary with a wide range of groups and interested parties. An advisory group representative of the various disciplines involved in diagnostic and therapeutic radiation was established to assist in preparation of draft regulations. These draft regulations were circulated widely to the various interested groups and professional bodies with an interest in radiology and related matters.
The draft statutory instrument drawn up is being further revised where it is considered necessary in light of the comments and observations received. This has taken longer than anticipated, some further observations and comments were received only earlier this year from some groups and some further drafting in relation to technical criteria for radiological equipment is also being completed. The regulations should be ready for introduction by mid-year.
