Radiological Protection Act, 1991

General functions of Institute.

7.—(1) The Institute shall, in addition to any other functions assigned to it by or under this Act, have the following general functions:

(a) to monitor activity or ionising radiation levels in any thing in the State and in any waters, including international waters, surrounding the State, and, in particular, without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing, to monitor any activity or ionising radiation levels in individuals, animals, fauna, poultry, eggs, crops, fish, seaweed, or any food, soil, minerals (including rocks of all descriptions), air or water;

(b) to monitor the exposure of individuals to activity or ionising radiation;

(c) to advise the Government, the Minister and other Ministers of the Government and the public, on measures for the protection of individuals in the State from radiological hazards;

(d) to advise the Government, the Minister and other Ministers of the Government on radiological safety matters relating to the transport, use, storage, maintenance and disposal of radioactive substances, nuclear devices or irradiating apparatus wheresoever located;

(e) to assist in the planning and implementation of measures to deal with radiological emergencies;

(f) to advise the Government, the Minister and other Ministers in relation to international standards regarding ionising radiation, radioactive substances, nuclear devices, irradiating apparatus and radiological safety;

(g) where appropriate, to enter into arrangements with the Government, the Minister or other Ministers of the Government and such other persons or bodies as the Minister may direct to provide monitoring, advisory or consultancy services in relation to radiological safety;

(h) to monitor scientific, technological, economic and other developments wheresoever taking place relating to ionising radiation, radioactive substances, nuclear devices, irradiating apparatus and radiological safety in order to keep the Government and the Minister informed of such developments with particular reference to the implications for the State of such developments;

(i) to assist the Minister for Defence in the exercise of his functions in relation to the protection of individuals whenever the Government decide that the hazard to life or health from a radiological emergency requires his intervention;

(j) to carry out or to arrange for the carrying out of and to co-ordinate or assist in arrangements for the carrying out of research into any matter relating to the functions or activities of the Institute; and

(k) to provide information to the public on any matters relating to radiological safety which the Institute deems fit.

(2) The functions of the Institute, in relation to the use of a radioactive substance, nuclear device or irradiating apparatus as a prophylactic, diagnostic or therapeutic agent for the purpose of the prevention, diagnosis or treatment of any human ailment, infirmity, injury or defect shall relate only to—

(a) the supervision and care of the radioactive substance, nuclear device or irradiating apparatus concerned, and

(b) ensuring that the said substance, device or apparatus is properly calibrated and maintained so as—

(i) to reduce to a minimum the effects of such substance, device or apparatus on property and persons other than a patient receiving a particular medical or dental application, or

(ii) to enable a medical or dental practitioner to achieve the maximum degree of accuracy and safety where the said substance, device or apparatus is used for the benefit of an individual patient.

(3) The Institute may, subject to compliance with such conditions as the Minister may, from time to time, direct, do all such other things as arise out of or are consequential on the functions assigned to the Institute by or under this Act.