Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 30 January 2024
160. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications how Ireland's public and private hospitals deal with radioactive waste; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4051/24]
View answerUnder the Radiological Protection Act 1991 (Ionising Radiation) Regulations 2019, the use of radioactive substances and management of the radioactive waste is regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Radioactive sources can be either sealed or unsealed.
The most common radioactive substances that are used for medical purposes are unsealed. They have a short half-life, and only remain active for a short time period. Short lived unsealed (e.g. liquid) radioactive waste is stored in a dedicated secure storeroom in the hospital, until it reaches background radiation levels and is therefore no longer radioactive. The waste can then be disposed of in conventional waste streams.
Radioactive sealed sources acquired from outside of Ireland must have takeback agreements in place with the supplier/manufacturer in order for the EPA to authorise their import. When these sealed sources reach the end of their useful life they are returned to the supplier under the takeback agreement, with the prior approval from the EPA.
