The unions of the IRSN (Institute for Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety) are due to meet with the Minister for Energy Transition on Friday, after the government announced the disappearance of their establishment. According to the unions, this risks weakening the independence of nuclear safety in France. This decision aims to create synergies in nuclear safety, at a time when the State wants to relaunch a reactor program.
Trade union concerns about the independence of nuclear safety
Union representatives expressed their concerns about the independence and expertise of IRSN during a meeting with the government commissioner in charge of this public institution. The unions fear the end of the “dual” structure of the French safety system, and some see it as a way of bringing the institute into line. They also fear that IRSN’s research branch will be transferred to the CEA, which was providing expertise.
The IRSN unions are calling for a public debate on this issue, and are demanding that the reorganization be implemented in a transparent and safe manner. They assert that nuclear safety must not be sacrificed on the altar of synergies, and that IRSN’s expertise must be maintained to guarantee the safety of workers and the public.
Reorganization of nuclear safety in France
Minister Agnès Pannier-Runacher has asked the heads of IRSN, ASN (the French nuclear safety authority) and CEA to propose a working method for implementing this reorganization by February 20. The government wants to strengthen the ASN’s expertise and research and development capabilities in order to improve its credibility and establish its authority. IRSN’s management is due to meet with staff representatives on Wednesday and to address parliamentarians at the Office d’évaluation des choix scientifiques on Thursday.
