Using the IRRS to strengthen regulatory competence in Ireland

Transcription

1 Using the IRRS to strengthen regulatory competence in Ireland Kilian Smith EPA Office of Radiological Protection Effective Nuclear Regulatory Systems: Sustaining Improvements Globally 14 th April 2016

2 IRRS in a Nutshell Integrated Regulatory Review Service Run by International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) A review of Ireland s radiation protection regulatory framework against the IAEA standards

3 IRRS Why now? Tradition of Regulatory Peer Reviews International peer review requirements under Euratom Nuclear Safety and Radioactive Waste Directives Revision of Ireland s National Emergency Plan for Nuclear Accidents (NEPNA) Pending implementation of the new Euratom Basic Safety Standards (BSS) Directive; Merger of the Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland (RPII) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA); Issues in relation to the regulation of patient protection;

4 Preparatory Stage The IRRS has a modular form designed to be tailored to address both generic and country-specific needs The IAEA worked closely with Ireland to ensure the scope of the review mission was sufficient to address all areas of interest.

5 Policy Issues 1. Radioactive waste management policy and the role of the Regulatory Body, 2. Integration of radiation protection regulation with environmental protection regulation the key considerations Transport Control of medical exposures Occupational radiation protection Control of radioactive discharges and materials for clearance Environmental monitoring Control of chronic exposures (radon)

6 Preparatory Stage The EPA took the lead role for the preparations and project planning for the mission EPA s peer review mission experience proved invaluable to Ireland s preparations The project phases raising awareness, training, stakeholder engagement, self-assessment, pre-meetings with the IAEA mission

7

8 IRRS Our guiding principles This is a review of Ireland s framework for radiation safety EPA has a leadership role There are many other actors Transparency We have nothing to hide We have confidence in our work We are open to learning and improving Whole of Ireland approach We are all involved We can t do this on our own

9 SARIS Self Assessment Evaluation against the international standards - computer-based questionnaire supported by the IAEA (SARIS) Main outputs SARIS question sets, supported by reference documents Main summary Findings/action plan Self-assessment identified gaps & issues to be addressed

10 Self Assessment The preparatory phase helped to strengthen the links between the various bodies involved in radiation protection in Ireland. The on-going and regular briefings focussed the various bodies on the IRRS mission and ensured involvement and engagement by all the key players. The engagement and involvement of people/agencies with a role in the regulation of radiation safety was crucial to the mission s success.

11 IRRS Review Team IRRS mission review in Ireland took place from 30 th August to 9 th September Review Team 10 Senior Experts from 9 countries 4 IAEA Staff Members

12 The Mission 29 main Irish counterparts & others 10 days of intensive discussion, review, observation, evidence gathering and sharing experience Visits to St James Hospital, Beacon Hospital, Becton Dickenson, M2i and NECC Meetings with senior officials from DECLG, DoH and HSE

13 Outcome of the mission Recommendations to Government and the regulatory bodies covering: The framework for patient protection, inc coordination Coordination on transport of radioactive materials The legislative framework for remediation Financial support for the National Policy for Radioactive Waste Management Documentation of regulatory and other procedures Implementation of all of the requirements in the Basic Safety Standards

14 Outcome of the mission Good practices by the Government and the regulatory bodies covering EPA s radiation safety inspection activities EPA s web-based system for radiological licenses A framework for major emergency management that incorporates nuclear and radiological emergency plans The National Radon Control Strategy Good practices identified are useful for prioritising and protecting important strengths in a time of a changing environment and constrained public resources

15

16 Outcome of the mission The IRRS mission did not highlight any major issues that were not already identified during the comprehensive selfassessment and analysis phases. Independent voice of the review team added significant weight to issues previously highlighted to government by the national regulatory body The mission helped to further strengthen links between all the national bodies (government, licensees, regulatory) with a role in the regulation of radiation safety. The mission identified gaps in the national regulatory framework and came at an opportune time as it commences the process to transpose the Euratom BSS

17 Outcome of the mission Revision of the regulatory framework to address gaps in the regulation of patient protection will be addressed in the transposition of the new BSS The real beneficiaries of the IRRS mission will be the people of Ireland (public, patients, workers). By ensuring that Ireland maintains and further improves its high standards of radiation protection these people will continue to be protected from the harmful effects of ionising radiation while availing of its many beneficial uses

18 That s the IRRS Mission finished now what s next?

19 The journey continues.. Agree Action Plan Implement Action Plan Transpose BSS Follow up mission T0 T0+29 months Sept 2015 Feb 2018 T0+40 months Mid 2019

20 Thank you!

21 Advance Reference Material (ARM) Self-assessment identified gaps and issues that need to be addressed SARIS question sets (40) Referenced Documents (235) Legislation (54) Summary reports (2) Main summary Findings/action plan 71 challenges identified