Caít Keane (Fine Gael)
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We will have to leave within three minutes. I may not be able to wait for the reply but I will get it in written format. I have read the submission and I apologise for not being here for the presentation. On the two most important aspects that the witnesses have mentioned, the change of name and incorporating the name of the RPII into the EPA, my first reaction to that on reading the submission was that the function of the EPA is broader than protecting the environment from people. Its function is to promote sustainable development to protect all of the environment which includes the people working together in a cohesive force for the protection of all for sustainable development. Therefore, it incorporates all of that. I was delighted to note in the new legislation that the RPII will have a separate office within the EPA, which would give it a stand-alone function. We do not see many bodies in a merger granted that status, rather they are submerged and merged into one umbrella body. The provision for what is deemed a new office, that of the office of radiological protection, should allay some of the fears the witnesses enunciated. It provides that there will be a dedicated office and it will carry forward the body's aims and objectives, and I congratulate the body on the work it has done. What will that office be doing if it not doing the work that the witnesses are doing? The matter of names and administration is secondary to the work. What is important is that the aims and objectives of the witnesses' work is carried on in that new office and that is the purpose for which it will be in place. As a new office it will also have new work to do. I hope that will allay some of the witnesses' fears. The witnesses mentioned two matters and the most important of those is the name of the merged body and basis of the proposed new relationship that will administer radiological protection. It is in all of our interests, those of the EPA and everybody outside the EPA on this planet that the work of the RPII continues because it for our protection and it is in the interests of everybody. I do not think anybody will take their eye off the ball.