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Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 16 May 2001

Vol. 536 No. 3

Written Answers - Radioactive Material.

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

135 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Defence the plans in place for the disposal of the radioactive material stored in Clancy Barracks. [14217/01]

The isolated radioactive segments from decommissioned mortars are stored in steel bins in Clancy Barracks in a special radioactive materials storage facility. This facility is constructed in accordance with international requirements for the storage of such items and comes under the Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland – RPII – for audit and inspections. The facility is operated in strict accordance with RPII guidelines. The storage of the material in this facility presents no danger to military personnel. The material will remain in this facility in Clancy Barracks until a new one is built in the new Defence Forces logistics base in the Curragh.

It is mandatory for the Department of Defence and the Defence Forces to maintain a register and inventory of all radioactive substances and to be licensed by the RPII in that regard. The Department and the Defence Forces meet all the requirements of the RPII. The Defence Forces have carried out a full audit of the ordnance materials and systems under their control and none present any hazard from radiation.

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