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Radiological Protection Advisory Committee

What is the RPAC (Radiological Protection Advisory Committee)?

The RPAC is the EPA’s Radiological Protection Advisory Committee.  This is a committee appointed by the EPA to provide it with advice on the Agency’s radiological protection functions, with particular emphasis on public health matters.  Its remit is strictly focused on EPA functions and the EPA may seek advice on any radiological topic from the Committee. Since its establishment the Committee has advised on a range of matters, including but not limited to: the implementation of radiological protection legislation including occupational protection of workers in industry and medicine; training and education requirements; emergency preparedness and radon.

In Ireland the preparation for any major emergency including nuclear emergencies is dealt under the National Strategic Emergency Management framework with the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications being the Lead Government Department in the event of a nuclear or radiological emergency abroad.  

The Radiological Protection Advisory Committee (RPAC) is made up of eighteen members nominated by organisations with expertise relevant to the radiological protection functions of the EPA. The term of office of the Committee is three years. The term of office for the third Radiological Protection Advisory Committee commenced in July 2023.

Chairperson

Dr Tom Ryan,  Director of the Office of Radiation Protection and Environmental Monitoring.

Members

  • Dr. Wayne Anderson (nominated by the Food Safety Authority of Ireland)
  • Mr. Antony Bexon (nominated by UK Health Security Agency)
  • Dr. Andrew Bolas (nominated by the Dental Council of Ireland)
  • Dr. Sean Curran (nominated by the Medical Council of Ireland)
  • Dr. Paul Dorfman (nominated by the Nuclear Free Local Authorities)
  • Dr. Susan McCready-Shea (nominated by the Society for Radiological Protection)
  • Mr. Gareth Thomas (nominated by the UK Office for Nuclear Regulation)
  • Prof. Heinz-Peter Nasheuer (nominated by the Irish Radiation Research Society)
  • Ms. Helen Hourihane (nominated by the Health and Safety Authority)
  • Dr. Mary T. O'Mahony (nominated by the Health Service Executive)
  • Ms. Carol Robinson (nominated by the Norwegian Radiation Protection Authority (DSA))
  • Dr. Paula Barry Walsh (nominated by the Veterinary Council)
  • Prof. Stephen Thomas (nominated by the Environment Pillar)
  • Mr. John Tuffy (nominated by the Health Information Quality Authority)
  • Mr. John Upton (nominated by the Irish Association of Physicists in Medicine)
  • Dr Luis Leon Vintro (nominated by the Royal Irish Academy)
  • Ms. Carole Rousse (nominated by the French Nuclear Regulator (ASN))
  • Ms. Michele Monahan (nominated by the Irish Institute of Radiographers and Radiation Therapy)

Committee Meeting Minutes

Approved minutes of all meetings of the The Radiological Protection Advisory Committee to the EPA Board.