Vol. 462 No. 7
90 Mr. D. Ahern asked the Minister for the Environment the plans, if any, he has to insist that all future public buildings comply with requirements in order to reduce the danger of radon gas to the occupants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5407/96]
91 Mr. D. Ahern asked the Minister for the Environment the plans, if any, he has to request local authorities to include in planning permission conditions in order to mitigate the dangers of radon gas in dwelling houses and other buildings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5408/96]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 90 and 91 together.
The building control system rather than the planning system, is the most appropriate means of dealing with radon risks in buildings and it already contains provisions in relation to the avoidance of such risks. These require that precautions against the entry of radon must be taken in areas where the Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland indicate that elevated levels of the gas are likely to occur. The provisions apply to the design and construction of all new buildings. My Department is at present reviewing the building control system, including the provisions relating to radon. The review is at an advanced stage and I expect that it will lead to the introduction later this year of revised provisions in relation to radon.
