Our mission statement

In the three year period from 2008 to 2010 the RPII will grow the level of awareness and implementation of the measures needed to protect people in Ireland from the harmful effects of ionising (and non-ionising) radiation through scientifically based regulation, monitoring and advice.

Our general functions

The general functions of the RPII are

To provide advice to the Government, the Minister for Environment, Heritage and Local Government and other Ministers on matters relating to radiological safety.

To provide information to the public on any matters relating to radiological safety which the Institute deems fit.

To maintain and develop a national laboratory for the measurement of levels of radioactivity in the environment, and to assess the significance of these levels for the Irish population.

To provide a personnel dosimetry and instrument calibration service for those who work with ionising radiation.

To control by licence the custody, use, manufacture, importation, transportation, distribution, exportation and disposal of radioactive substances, irradiating apparatus and other sources of ionising radiation.

To assist in the development of national plans for emergencies arising from nuclear accidents and to act in support of such plans.

To provide a radioactivity measurement and certification service.

To prepare codes and regulations for the safe use of ionising radiation.

To carry out and promote research in relevant fields.

To monitor developments abroad relating to nuclear installations and radiological safety generally, and to keep the Government informed of their implications for Ireland.

To co-operate with the relevant authorities in other states and with appropriate international organisations.

To represent the State on international bodies.

To be the competent authority under international conventions on nuclear matters.

Our values

The work of the RPII is based on fundamental values and principles. These include

Scientific integrity

As a scientific organisation, the RPII keeps itself up-to-date with current scientific thinking and developments in the field of radiation protection. The RPII undertakes its own research, supports research elsewhere in Ireland and regularly reviews the international scientific literature. All advice from the RPII to Government and to the public is based on the best and most up-to-date scientific evidence available at the time.

Commitment to the task at hand

Radon kills people. The misuse of radioactive substances or X-ray machines can cause serious injury or death. The inappropriate release of radioactive material can cause environmental damage. Ignorance in the event of a radiological or nuclear accident can cost lives. This is what we know.
The RPII works for the protection of people in Ireland and against these outcomes. We believe that this is fundamentally important work.

Public service ethos

The RPII is motivated by a belief that its work brings positive outcomes for its stakeholders. It judges its achievements according to the degree by which its actions are beneficial to the public and to the individuals it interacts with.

Independence

Independence from external influence is a fundamental requirement of all regulatory bodies regardless of their sphere of operation. Government legislation has established the RPII in such a way that it is independent from the organisations/entities it regulates. In practical terms, the advice provided to Government and the public by the RPII is based on the best-available scientific data and is not tempered by any particular stance. This means that, on occasion, the RPII may make statements that appear to be in conflict with prevailing public opinion.

High standards and integrity

The ethos of the RPII is to deliver all advice, information and project-based research, in a manner that is courteous, professional and considerate. As a science-based organisation, the RPII ethos is towards accountability and transparency in all external and internal interactions.

Customer service

A Quality Customer Service Action Plan and Customer Charter underline the RPII’s commitment to providing a high quality of service to its customers.

Positive work environment

The RPII works continuously to maintain excellent employee relationships through processes such as partnership, staff meetings, PMDS, the provision of a dedicated HR function and occasional social events.

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