Establishig a national Rn programMark Brennock, Murray Consultants, Ireland

www.murrayconsult.ie

Communicating with decision makersThe Irish experience

November 201

A national Rn strategy

• What is it? Joined up action from all relevant local and

national public bodies to reduce the threat of radon gas.

A national Rn strategy

Educating health professionalsChanging building regulationsWriting the issue into health and safety law and practiceNational testing programme of public and private premisesResearch

New conveyancing laws Education of media Public information Grants for remediation of premisesSchools – education and testing

Steps to a national Rn strategy

1. Recognition and agreement among all relevant agencies/ministries that there is a problem

2. Definition of the problem and its scale

3. Agreement in principle across political and administrative system that the problem must be tackled

4. Formal process of devising strategy agreed

5. Agreed plan to be put to government

6. Whole government decision to agree and implement.

7. Implementation

Without political will, we won’t get past the second point!

Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland

Not a lobby group!

So its ability to work to create political will is limited

Statutory body that: • Advises Government and public• Monitors exposure • Regulates and licenses users of radiation • Provides technical support re radiation emergency planning• Represents Ireland internationally on radiation • Talks to Government through a small mid-level section of a

very large Department

Action, despite limitations

• Communicating directly with the public• Communicating directly with national politicians

on local radon issue• Engaging with other state agencies • Talking directly to Government

Ground level education and information is filteringupwards.

What will motivate political decision-makers?

•Expert advice •RPII•Dept of Environment •Other departments (health, education) •Other state agencies •Independent scientists

•Public interest and pressure •Persistent local & national media coverage•Local politicians seeking action•Public (voter) concern

Build coalition within the state sector

Show others they have a role in tackling radon.

For example Health authorities Health practitioners Building professionals Education authorities Health and safety authorities Local government

Seeking state sector & political support

National Radon Forum each year

Attendees from many Government departments and agencies Local and national politicians invited Choice of location allows targeted impact Last year in venue beside parliament building!

Joint position paper with Health Service Executive

Met Minister for the Environment

Public awareness campaigns - National

• We highlight exceptional readings • Regular local and national press coverage of these• State broadcaster (RTE) has taken up the issue • Prosecuted employers in 2005/2006 • National Radon Forum

Public awareness campaigns - Local “Radon week” in high radon counties One message: “Take the radon test!” Involving:

• Brief local members of the national parliament, and local councillors• Public meeting • Media advertising • Interviews on local radio and newspapers • Letter delivered to each home • Follow-up activity in each county

3 of 26 so far, more in 2011

Results

• National testing rate in 2010 four times 2009 figure • Up to five years measurements in one month in targeted

counties• The issue is now on the radar of national and local media• A significant number of national politicians (12 TDs, 6

Senators) and local councillors have been personally educated on the issue by us. Some now champion the issue

Politically, it is now harder to do nothing about radon than it was last year!

Progress towards national Rn strategy

• RPII and HSE recommended an expert group • 2008 RPII annual report said there had been little progress on

this• Minister responded by meeting us, and making proposal to

Government• Expert group awaited

Next steps

• Expert group appointed • Expert group reports on what a strategy might involve • Government agrees to have strategy written• Strategy prepared • Government agrees to strategy • Implementation and funding

Constant encouragement of decision-makers is required over many years!

Conslusion

• Prepare scientific & public health case • Brief decision makers in a non-confrontational way • Take steps to influence those who influence your decision-

makers • Seek support from other relevant state authorities

(health, environment, education, justice/interior, etc)• Educate media and put radon on news agenda • Inform the public (voters!)

Don’t wait for a national strategy

• Raise public awareness • Test homes • Inform decision-makers and relevant State agencies • Do it again. And again.

While seeking a national strategy, implement your part of it now!