Alan Shatter
Ceist:15 Mr. Shatter asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will bring forward legislation on patient radiation safety. [25506/01]
Written Answers. - Proposed Legislation.
I presume the Deputy is referring to transposition of an EU directive in this area. A statutory instrument to transpose EU Directive 97/43/Euratom is being prepared in my Department and should be ready for introduction shortly. With regard to the safety of patients and medical staff, measures are already in place under a previous directive.
Directive 97/43 is wider in scope than the previous directive and consultation was necessary with a wide range of groups and interested parties. An advisory group representative of the various disciplines involved in diagnostic and therapeutic radiation was established to assist in preparation of the draft regulations. These draft regulations were circulated widely to the various interested groups and professional bodies with an interest in radiology and related matters.
The draft statutory instrument drawn up is being further revised where it is considered necessary in light of the comments and observations received. This has taken longer than anticipated as some further observations and comments were received recently.