I propose to take Questions Nos. 327 and 330 together.
The recent publication, by the Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland, of the results of the first phase of its national radon survey has set out in detail the levels of radon in counties Louth, Dublin, Wicklow, Cavan and Monaghan. The survey is due to be completed in 1998 and the results of other counties will be published as they become available.
The present results show that householders living in large areas of County Wicklow, on the Cooley Peninsula and Clogher Head in County Louth and in smaller localised areas in each of the other counties have a greater than 10 per cent chance of being exposed to an unacceptable level of radon. These areas have been designated by the Institute as high radon areas and householders living in these areas are urged to have their homes tested for radon. Where high levels of radon are found, householders are encouraged to take the necessary action to reduce the risk to themselves and their families.
I stress that there is no need for householders to be unduly alarmed if they find their house has a high radon level. Remedial measures are available and can be carried out without undue difficulty. I do find it somewhat worrying that some householders appear to be quite reluctant to carry out remedial work despite knowing they have a radon level in excess of the minimum reference level. In this regard, I have sought to have provision made in the 1997 estimates for a radon grant scheme which would financially assist existing householders to implement radon remediation measures. However, I must emphasise that any proposals made by me to the Minister for Finance are subject to overall budgetary constraints.