Vol. 471 No. 3
78 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications the levels of radiation at which counter-measures would be introduced in the event of a nuclear accident which would have significant radiological consequences for this country; if he has satisfied himself with the resources available to monitor radioactivity; whether he has received submissions in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20692/96]
These basic principles and criteria to be considered in a decision to introduce countermeasures in Ireland in the event of a nuclear accident, are set out in the national nuclear emergency plan. I have forwarded a copy of the plan to the Deputy.
The basic principles are regularly kept under review. The latest guidelines for intervention levels and action levels in emergency exposure situations are those recently published by the International Atomic Energy Agency in the publication International Basic Safety Standards for Protection against Ionizing Radiation and for the safety of Radiation Sources.
Emergency preparedness is underpinned by a constant monitoring programme carried out by the Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland. This programme includes measurements of radioactivity levels in air, on the ground, in live sheep, foodstuffs and in a range of samples from the seas around Ireland. During 1995 over 3,390 samples were processed and analysed in the institute's laboratory.
Funding for the monitoring programme is contained within the annual Exchequer grant made available to the institute. Should additional resources for the programme be required these would be identified and reviewed by my Department and the Department of Finance in the context of the annual Estimates. I have received no submissions on the issue of resources apart from the normal annual application by the RPII in respect of Exchequer grant to cover all activities.
