Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland
Encyclopedia
The Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland (RPII, An Institiúid Éireannach um Chosaint Raideolaíoch) is an independent public body in the Republic of Ireland
under the ageis of the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government.The RPII was established in 1992 under the Radiological Protection Act, 1991, which conferred on the RPII a broad remit in relation to radiological protection in Ireland.
The general functions of the RPII are:
The institute is the successor to the Nuclear Energy Board
which was formally wound up by the Radiological Protection Act, 1991,
In conjunction with an agreement between the Irish and British governments, the RPII are allowed to inspect the Sellafield Nuclear facility.
Republic of Ireland
Ireland , described as the Republic of Ireland , is a sovereign state in Europe occupying approximately five-sixths of the island of the same name. Its capital is Dublin. Ireland, which had a population of 4.58 million in 2011, is a constitutional republic governed as a parliamentary democracy,...
under the ageis of the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government.The RPII was established in 1992 under the Radiological Protection Act, 1991, which conferred on the RPII a broad remit in relation to radiological protection in Ireland.
The general functions of the RPII are:
- To provide advice to the Government, the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government and other Ministers on matters relating to radiological safety.
- To provide information to the public on any matters relating to radiological safety which the Institute deems fit.
- To maintain and develop a national laboratory for the measurement of levels of radioactivity in the environmentBackground radiationBackground radiation is the ionizing radiation constantly present in the natural environment of the Earth, which is emitted by natural and artificial sources.-Overview:Both Natural and human-made background radiation varies by location....
, and to assess the significance of these levels for the Irish population. - To provide a personnel dosimetryDosimetryRadiation dosimetry is the measurement and calculation of the absorbed dose in matter and tissue resulting from the exposure to indirect and direct ionizing radiation...
and instrument calibration service for those who work with ionising radiation. - To control by licence the custody, use, manufacture, importation, transportation, distribution, exportation and disposal of radioactive substances, irradiating apparatus and other sources of ionising radiation.
- To assist in the development of national plans for emergencies arising from nuclear accidents and to act in support of such plans.
- To provide a radioactivity measurement and certification service.
- To prepare codes and regulations for the safe use of ionising radiation.
- To carry out and promote research in relevant fields.
- To monitor developments abroad relating to nuclear installations and radiological safety generally, and to keep the Government informed of their implications for Ireland.
- To co-operate with the relevant authorities in other states and with appropriate international organisations.
- To represent the State on international bodies.
- To be the competent authority under international conventions on nuclear matters.
The institute is the successor to the Nuclear Energy Board
Nuclear Energy Board
The Nuclear Energy Board was an Irish agency charged with developing nuclear power in Ireland. It was established in Ireland on November 30, 1973 by the ....
which was formally wound up by the Radiological Protection Act, 1991,
In conjunction with an agreement between the Irish and British governments, the RPII are allowed to inspect the Sellafield Nuclear facility.