Vol. 428 No. 1
395 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications if his attention has been drawn to the concern of people who, during the course of their employment, are exposed to radioactive materials and to the effect this may have on chromosomal abnormalities and on child birth; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland has statutory responsibility for the regulation of all activities involving exposure to ionising radiation, including that emitted from radioactive materials. As part of the regulatory process the exposure of workers using radioactive materials is closely monitored and the degree of exposure is compared with the limits imposed by law. These in turn are based on the latest recommendations of the International Commission on Radiological Protection — the recognised world expert body in this field of health and safety — as adopted by the European Commission, the World Health Organisation, the International Labour Organisation, the International Atomic Energy Agency and other reputable international bodies.
The highest annual doses received by workers are usually only a fraction of the above mentioned limits and would indicate that the important principle of keeping doses as low as reasonably achievable is well understood by both workers and employers and is being followed in this country.
The Institute believes that at the above mentioned levels of worker exposure there is no scientific basis for expecting the possible effects mentioned by the Deputy in exposed workers arising from their employment.
