Iodine tablets absent as emergency guide launched

THEY were meant to protect us in the event of a nuclear disaster at Sellafield, but the infamous iodine tablets will not be making an appearance in a handbook being launched today to prepare citizens for emergencies.

Earlier this month the Department of Health said it had decided not to reissue householders with the tablets, which were first distributed in 2002. So swallowing the tablets will not be a recommendation in the handbook launched by Taoiseach Bertie Ahern and Defence Minister Willie O’Dea. Instead the booklet, which cost almost €2 million to produce, will give householders three main pieces of advice in the event of a nuclear incident: Go in, stay in and tune in.

“In other words, stay indoors and listen to national radio and television for information and instructions. Follow the advice given by the authorities,” a draft of the handbook states.