Declan Bree
Question:137 Mr. Bree asked the Minister for Education the steps, if any, she is taking with regard to the serious problem of radon in national schools particularly in the west; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9317/95]
Written Answers. - Radon Levels in Schools.
Declan Bree
Question:138 Mr. Bree asked the Minister for Education if she will consider increasing grant assistance to primary schools for radon gas mitigation works; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9318/95]
Declan Bree
Question:139 Mr. Bree asked the Minister for Education if her Department is carrying out a survey of all national schools to ascertain the level of radon in school; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9319/95]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 137, 138 and 139 together.
Radon tests have been carried out in primary schools in counties Clare, Galway, Mayo and Sligo by the Radiological Institute of Ireland. The necessary mitigation works have been carried out in almost all of the 54 schools identified as having radon levels above 150 becquerels per cubic metre. The remaining cases will be completed in the near future.
The normal grant level appropriate to the individual school is being paid in respect of the necessary mitigation works.
The Radiological Institute of Ireland is currently assessing the radon levels in domestic properties in County Donegal. When the results of these tests are to hand a decision will be made on whether or not it will be necessary to assess the radon levels in primary schools in the county. This procedure will be followed in the other counties throughout the country as they are assessed by the Radiological Institute of Ireland.