HIQA CEO, Phelim Quinn, and the Director General of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Laura Burke, have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to formalise current and future cooperation between both organisations.

HIQA and the EPA share responsibility for the regulation of ionising radiation. The aim of the agreement is to facilitate the exchange of information to support each organisation to fulfil its functions. HIQA is the competent authority for regulating medical exposure to ionising radiation in Ireland, while the EPA is the competent authority with responsibility for occupational and public exposures to ionising radiation. Services that will be regulated by both agencies include public and private radiological, radiotherapy, nuclear medicine and dental facilities. 

HIQA CEO Phelim Quinn commented: “Regulation of medical exposure to ionising radiation helps ensure that each hospital, dentist or clinic that administers radiation meets Irish and European legislative requirements. Regulation drives better, safer care for patients. As HIQA and the EPA jointly regulate and inspect this sector, this memorandum of understanding will help maintain cooperation between both regulators and support a comprehensive approach to radiation safety for service providers and service users.”

At the signing of the MoU, Laura Burke, the EPA’s Director General said, “I am extremely pleased to be signing this agreement today, which demonstrates how strong cooperation between regulatory bodies can lead to greater safety and better outcomes for users of our health services.”

Ends.

For further information please contact:

Clare O’Byrne, Acting Media and Stakeholder Relations Manager, HIQA

01 828 6712 | 085 8030846| cobyrne@hiqa.ie

Notes to the Editor:

• HIQA is an independent authority that exists to improve health and social care services for the people of Ireland.
• The EPA is responsible for protecting and improving the environment as a valuable asset for the people of Ireland.
• HIQA is the competent authority for regulating medical exposure to ionising radiation in Ireland under S.I No. 256 of 2018. The regulations transpose into Irish law the EU Council Basic Safety Standards (BSS) Directive of 2013.
• The functions of the EPA concerning radiological protection are set out in the Radiological Protection Act, 1991 (as amended) and the corresponding regulations.
• Watch our short video on ionising radiation: http://bit.ly/2Bf8AEc