An International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Integrated Regulatory Review Service (IRRS) mission has assessed Malta’s regulatory framework. The mission was conducted at the request of the Government of Malta and was hosted by the Commission for the Protection from Ionising and Non-Ionising Radiation (RPC). It was carried out by a team comprising six international experts from Argentina, Greece, Mauritius, Morocco, Portugal and Thailand, and two IAEA staff members.
Malta utilises radiation sources across medicine, industry and other fields but does not operate any nuclear power or research reactors. It operates a single Centralised Radioactive Waste Storage Facility (CSF) to store small amounts of low- and intermediate-level radioactive material. The RPC acts as the national regulatory authority, overseeing the safe use of radiation to safeguard both patients and the wider public.
During the 11-day mission the team met with the members of the RPC board and other officials to discuss legislation, regulation, and the conduct of regulatory oversight of the safety of facilities and activities in various sectors. The team also met the Permanent Secretary (Equality, Reforms and Social Dialogue) within the Office of the Prime Minister to discuss government responsibilities for radiation safety and observed two inspections performed by staff of the RPC at the Sir Anthony Mamo Oncology Centre (SAMOC) Mater Dei Hospital Oncology Centre and the CSF.
“The IRRS mission provided an opportunity to assess Malta’s regulatory framework against international safety standards and to exchange good practices,” said Elefteria Carinou, Director of Licensing and Regulatory Inspection at the Greek Atomic Energy Commission and mission team leader. “Such peer reviews help strengthen national systems and enhance radiation safety.”
The team identified several areas of good performance. These included the close cooperation and regular communication between the RPC and the Government, which support the development and implementation of Malta’s national infrastructure for radiation safety and nuclear security. The team also noted the multidisciplinary structure of the RPC’s Board, which strengthens strategic leadership, supports informed decision-making, and enhances the overall effectiveness of the regulatory framework. In addition, the RPC’s comprehensive criteria for recognizing radiation protection experts were highlighted as a key strength.
The IRRS found that Malta’s primary challenge is to establish a national policy and strategy for safety that establishes and provides for a resilient regulatory infrastructure, taking into account the current use of radiation sources in the country and foreseeable developments.
Recommendations to further strengthen the effectiveness of Malta’s regulatory system include:
- The Government should uphold and strengthen the independence of the RPC. In particular, the funding, management and operation of the CSF should remain separate from the RPC.
- The Government should strengthen arrangements for staffing and competence development of RPC, based on a comprehensive human resources plan.
- The Government should establish a national policy and strategy to build and maintain the competence of all parties with responsibilities for the safety of facilities and activities.
- The RPC should strengthen its human resources planning to ensure that it has sufficient staff with the necessary knowledge, skills and abilities to perform all assigned regulatory functions, including in anticipation of future needs.
- The RPC should establish effective arrangements to inform and consult with interested parties and the public on radiation risks associated with facilities and activities, as well as on its regulatory processes and decisions.
“The IRRS mission offers Malta a unique opportunity to build on the significant achievements of recent years and to further reinforce an effective, modern and resilient regulatory infrastructure for safety”, said Lourdes Farrugia, chairperson of the RPC in her opening remarks at the start of the mission. The final report, including recommendations and suggestions, will be submitted to the Government of Malta in the coming months.
