Vol. 415 No. 1
35 Miss Flaherty asked the Minister for Energy if he is concerned about the high levels of exposure to natural radiation in the form of radon in some schools and other buildings; and if he will ensure that remedial action is undertaken immediately to reduce levels in schools and all Government-owned buildings as a priority.
Radon measurements have been undertaken in 437 schools in Counties Galway, Mayo and Clare. The survey identified 18 schools in need of further investigation. Advice regarding remedial measures in a limited number was conveyed to the relevant school authorities and to the Department of Education.
Final results of a survey undertaken by the Nuclear Energy Board in 1989-90 indicate that about 5 per cent of houses tested in the west exceed the reference level of 200 becquerels per cubic metre. This is the level agreed by the Government above which remedial measures should be considered.
Since 1989 the Nuclear Energy Board have been undertaking measurements of radon gas in Irish homes. Work initially was concentrated in Counties Mayo, Galway and Clare as earlier surveys showed these counties to have higher levels of radon. Any householder can have a measurement carried out by the Nuclear Energy Board at a charge of £15 and a campaign to publicise this service in newspapers was undertaken in the west last year. Where screening measurements indicate a level in excess of 200 becquerels per cublic metre, householders are advised of the recommendation to reduce the concentration levels in their homes.
Since taking office I have taken a keen personal interest in the radon problem. I have ensured that the Nuclear Energy Board have had sufficient resources at their disposal to deal effectively with the problem and to follow up on initial surveys done in this field. I shall continue to ensure that priority is given to detection of radon by the Nuclear Energy Board and continued advice to those affected by it.
In view of the great concern among parents and the significant levels of radon which have been found, particularly in schools, will the Minister indicate whether he has an ongoing programme of work with the Minister for Education to ensure that the many schools, particularly in the western counties to which he referred which have been identified as having such high levels, with the consequent increased risk of cancer for children involved, are made safe? If not, will a programme of work be undertaken as a matter of urgency to put matters right?
Where high levels of radon were discovered in schools, the information was immediately conveyed to the Department of Education and I understand that remedial measures have been taken. Other matters, of course, become the responsibility of the Minister for the Environment in regard to dwelling houses and other buildings. There is a procedure and information available from the Department of the Environment in regard to how householders should tackle the problem.
That disposes of questions for today. Item No. 10——
On a point of order——
What is the point of order?
With the utmost respect——
The order of the House ordained that we should hear the budget speech from the Minister for Finance now. The Deputy knows that.
I gave you notice of a Private Notice Question on the RTE dispute——
Deputy, you have had a reply to that.
I cannot see how you ruled it out of order.
Deputy Rabbitte will resume his seat. What he is doing now is most disorderly.
