Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 8 December 2004
168 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he is informed when nuclear material is being transported within the State; the procedures that are in place for the transport of such material; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28775/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraI assume the question relates to radioactive material or devices incorporating radioactive material which are referred to as nuclear devices in the Radiological Protection Act, 1991 (Ionising Radiation) Order. Such materials or devices are transported by road within the State to hospitals, research laboratories and to or from sites where industrial radiography is being performed.
My Department would not be informed of such transportations as these are regulated by and require a licence from the Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland, RPII. The licence obliges the licensee to comply with the International Atomic Energy Agency regulations for the safe transport of radioactive material as well as a number of additional requirements. Furthermore, the Garda is also informed in the case of the transportation of large sources used in medical product sterilisation facilities.
