Madam, – Ever since it was established more than 20 years ago, the Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland (RPII) has been urging governments to agree to and establish a national radioactive waste management policy. I am shocked to read in the institute’s annual report for 2009 that this matter is still outstanding.
This waste is produced mainly by hospitals, industry and research laboratories. The radiological processes giving rise to the waste are vital and cannot be carried out without the production of such waste. I believe that what is being asked for is merely what is required by international best practice, European directives and Irish law, yet after all these years we are still not in compliance.
Must we wait for an accident before the proper system of management is put in place? – Yours, etc,