Question reference: S5W-29887
- Asked by: John Finnie, MSP for Highlands and Islands, Scottish Green Party
- Date lodged: 15 June 2020
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Current status: Answered by Paul Wheelhouse on 3 July 2020
Question
To ask the Scottish Government what steps it has taken to inform the general public about the Radiation (Emergency Preparedness and Public Information) Regulations 2019.
Answer
The legislation governing emergency preparedness and response (EP&R) in respect of nuclear matters are reserved to the UK Government, and is covered under the Radiation (Emergency Preparedness and Public Information) Regulations 2019 (REPPIR 2019).
While this is reserved legislation, Scottish Government officials worked closely with UK Government and regulators in its development to ensure that Scottish considerations helped shape the framework and that Scottish stakeholders including the public were engaged.
REPPIR 2019 legislation, Codes of Practice and guidance were subject to public consultations and these consultations were supported in Scotland by the Scottish Government.
Regular REPPIR 2019 updates have been provided by Scottish Government officials to Scottish nuclear site public forums, where members of the public receive updates from government, operators and regulators and get the opportunity to raise questions or issues.
Scottish Government officials also chair the Scottish Nuclear Resilience Group, where a range of Scottish nuclear stakeholders get the opportunity to scrutinise government and regulators.