Vol. 490 No. 7
81 Mr. Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the radon problems in some schools; and if he has satisfied himself that problems of this nature will not continue or reoccur. [11109/98]
Since my appointment I have put in place a comprehensive programme for ensuring that problems with radon gas in schools are identified and addressed.
I have asked the Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland (RPII) to undertake a radon gas survey of all primary and post-primary schools in the country. The survey will commence in June this year with schools in the east, south-east and north east regions and the RPII will make contact with the schools shortly setting out the details. The survey will take between three and five years to complete and will be free of charge to the schools. Where radon difficulties emerge, schools will be assisted in relation to remediation measures.
Radon barriers are included in the design of all new schools.
