John Paul Phelan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I echo the comments of Deputy Coffey on non-ionising radiation and EMF. Now that we are re-establishing the EPA, incorporating the role of the RPII, perhaps its remit can be broadened to include that area. I echo the points made in respect of radon. As someone from the south east, our area of the country seems to have the highest levels of radon measured. I commend the work of the RPII and I hope the work will be continued in the new format as part of the EPA.

Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett raised a number of issues concerning the roles carried out by the RPII, and the Minister of State may have the opportunity to reassure the Deputy that those functions will be carried out and perhaps extended, as suggested by me and Deputy Paudie Coffey.

Deputy Boyd Barrett also referred to the ratification of the CPPNM and changes made therein. The dualist Irish legal system requires incorporation into statute as well as ratification of the treaty. That is why this aspect of the legislation is necessitated. Perhaps the Minister of State can confirm this point.

I express my full support for this particular item of legislation and the reasons it is being introduced. I like Deputy Michael Kitt, but one can always tell when people are uncomfortable speaking on something because they race through it. He raced through his speech giving a lecture on how the Government had not abolished half enough quangos. He was a Member of this House and the Upper House for the past 14 years, when quangos were created at a rate of knots. There was a quango every day of the week and it is a bit rich to be lectured by someone from Fianna Fáil on the point that the Government is not abolishing half enough quangos. The programme for Government gave a commitment that 48 agencies would be rationalised and I understand 45 have been rationalised at this stage, with another 46 being examined. The RPII and the EPA were part of the group of 46. There is natural synergy between the role of the EPA and that of the RPII.

3 o’clock

It makes sense for the two roles to be merged. I am confident from what I have read and heard that the role of the Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland will be fully incorporated into the new unit within the Environmental Protection Agency.

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