22 February 2008, 12:40
A. Semynoha, Committee Chairman, pointed out that ‘the co-operation between the Committee and the National Commission for Radiation Protection of Ukraine´s Population', will enable the passing of a joint resolution on the urgent issues of the protection of Man and Environment from the impact of any possible radiation factor.
The Deputy Chairman of the Commission, M. Omelianets, outlined the prospects for the Commission´s operation. He said that the Commission operates on a voluntary basis, and its members receive no remuneration. He also noted that attempts have been made by State Governance bodies to place the Committee under their supervision. He feels that ‘should this happen, opportunities will arise to direct its activities to service departmental interests´. He believes that an independent status can only be secured if it reports to The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine
It was mentioned at the meeting that ‘thanks to the Commission, the country has obtained legislation that meets the most stringent requirements for the protection of Man and Environment from the possible impact of ionizing radiation´. The country has up-to-date Radiation Safety Regulations (НРБУ-97), Principle Health and Safety Regulations on Radiation Safety Provision in Ukraine (OCПЗРБУ-2005), together with various Hygiene Regulations, etc.
The Commission´s efforts have not yet resulted in a recalculation of levels of radiation exposure of the population caused by the Chornobyl disaster, and the preparation of Regulations on reviewing the limits of areas of radiation pollution and the list of localities attributed to having been polluted by radiation.
The outcome of these discussions resulted in a decision by the Committee to uphold the organisational framework of the Commission, as presented in the Bill (Reg. No.1347) ‘On Protection of Man from the Impact of Ionized Radiation´. The People's Deputies feel that in order to improve the effectiveness of the Commission's operation, clarifications and additions should be made to the Regulations on the National Commission for the Radiation Protection of Ukraine´s Population, and its membership refreshed.