Vol. 442 No. 7
5 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications if he will give details of the policy relating to licensing and procedures governing the sourcing, use and disposal of radioactive materials in educational institutions; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The Radiological Protection Act, 1991 (General Control of Radioactive Substances, Nuclear Devices and Irradiating Apparatus) Order, 1993 (S.I. No. 151 of 1993) provides for the control by licence of the custody, transportation, handling, storage, use, manufacture, production, processing, importation, distribution, exportation, or other disposal of radioactive substances, nuclear devices or irradiating apparatus. Protocol and procedures governing the control of such materials by all persons and organisations, including educational institutions, are provided for in a licensing system administered by the Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland. A particular requirement of the licensing system is that each institution appoints a suitably qualified radiological protection officer, who will have local day-to-day responsibility for the supervision of the procedures followed within the institution. Statutory Instrument No. 151 of 1993 also completed the implementation of Council Directive 80/836/EURATOM of 3 September 1984 laying down the basic safety standards for the health protection of the general public and workers against the dangers of ionising radiation.
I am satisfied that the present arrangements in place ensure that all sources of radioactivity in educational institutions do not pose a hazard to people or property.
How can the Minister be satisfied when his Department is awaiting a report from the Radiological Protection Institute on an incident in a third level institute in Dublin where procedures were not followed? When does the Minister expect to receive this report and will he allow me to see it at the earliest possible opportunity? Will he ensure as a matter of urgency that any safeguards required will be provided for in the licensing procedures to allow students complete courses which are being delayed?
While this is a matter for the RPII, I am aware of the incident mentioned by the Deputy. The institute has informed me that over a certain period staff and research personnel in the Dublin Institute of Technology purchased and used unsealed radioactive substances without the knowledge of the radiological protection officer or the college authorities. These substances were used in an area of the college not approved by the college authorities for the use of radioactive substances and without the use of warning signs indicating the presence of radioactive substances.
The situation first came to light through a routine inspection at the college by the Health and Safety Authority. Following this a survey of the laboratory in question on 25 February revealed a small area of contamination on the floor and some contamination on the door of a refrigerator and a pipette. Following inspection by the RPII on 3 March the contamination was cleaned up by the college on 4 March. On 4 March the RPII withdrew the college's licence for the use of unsealed radioactive substances and required these to be kept in secure storage pending full investigation of the incident. This licence has not so far been restored. The RPII is satisfied that the spillage which occurred was small and did not constitute a significant hazard to personnel.
The college acknowledges that it was guilty of certain breaches of the conditions of its licence and has set out the measures it proposes to take to prevent a recurrence of this type of incident. The question of restoration of the college's licence is being considered in the light of these proposals and other requirements that it may be appropriate to impose. The possible need for any further action by the RPII is also receiving consideration.
I am glad the Minister is aware of this incident. When does he expect to receive the report and will he allow me to see it? Will he explain the reason a question I had submitted on this matter was disallowed on the grounds that he had no responsibility, even though it related to policy and procedures?
It is a matter for the Ceann Comhairle to decide whether a question should be taken by any Minister and we all abide by his decisions. I thank him for his wisdom.
I must disclaim any responsibility for the transfer of questions which is a Cabinet responsibility.
I am sure the report will be made available shortly and I will communicate with the Deputy on the question of whether it will be made available to him. It will first have to be considered by the Department but I do not see any problem.
I must now proceed to other questions. Question No. 6 was to be answered with Priority Question No. 4.
