Vol. 415 No. 2
66 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Health if she will make a statement on the steps that are being taken by her Department to ensure that there is a unified approach in establishing protocols for implementing EC legislation on radiation protection in the medical sector as well as establishing high standards of radiation protection in medicine generally.
The European Council Directives which lay down the basic measures for the radiation protection of the general public and workers and for persons undergoing medical examination were implemented in this country under regulations made by the Minister for Health and the Minister for Energy.
The European Communities (Medical Ionizing Radiation) Regulations of 1988 (S.I. No. 189) made by the Minister for Health provide that all those engaged in the use of ionizing radiation for medical and dental purposes must be competent in radiation protection measures and techniques and have appropriate training. The Medical Council were consulted in the drafting of these regulations.
The European Communities (Ionising Radiation) Regulations, 1991 (S.I. No. 43) made by the Minister for Energy provide for basic safety standards for the health protection of the general public and workers against the dangers of ionising radiation. These regulations designated the Nuclear Energy Board as the competent authority for implementation and made provision for consultation with an officer of the Department of Health where an irradiating apparatus is being used for treatment of patients. The Nuclear Energy Board are advised by their Medical Radiation Advisory Committee also in this area. A medical officer from my Department is chairman of this committee.
An organisational structure was drawn up and issued to all hospitals to assist in the implementation of requirements on radiation protection. This provides for establishment of radiation safety committees, nomination of a radiation protection adviser, departmental radiation safety officers and medical officers by each hospital authority.
There is high level of co-operation and consultation between the various bodies concerned to ensure that standards of radiation protection in the medical area are of the required level.
