Ms Emer Dalton:

Radiation monitoring is a specific role. In the context of radiation, overall responsibility rests with the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications and the Environmental Protection Agency, EPA. The role of Civil Defence is to take radiation readings, which enhances the systems that are in place. For instance, Civil Defence collects samples of soil, water and vegetation and provides them to the EPA and other designated laboratories for analysis. It conducts mobile monitoring and assists with the implementation of control measures where required. An annual exercise is conducted in conjunction with the EPA. The monitoring equipment has been upgraded in recent years. The Civil Defence is not engaged in high-risk situations. It would not be sent out in the event of nuclear radiation or in situations requiring personal protective equipment and that kind of thing.