Vol. 515 No. 3
317 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Education and Science the steps, if any, he is taking to ensure that the schools which showed levels of radon gas concentration above the national reference level are safe; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5865/00]
The following actions have been taken by my Department in relation to radon levels in schools: following indications of a problem with radon the Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland was commissioned to carry out a survey of radon levels in all primary and post-primary schools through out the country; all schools received information on radon and are being kept informed of new developments; the results of the first phase of the three year national survey relating to 685 schools in counties Carlow, Cavan, Kildare, Kilkenny, Louth, Meath, Monaghan, Westmeath, Wexford and Wicklow were issued to the schools concerned.
The first survey indicated none of the rooms tested in 510 schools had a radon concentration above the reference level set of 200 (Bq/m3) above which remedial action is advised. Of the remaining 175 schools the RPII advised that 13 schools showing the highest level of radon require attention as soon as possible. My Department has appointed a consultant to undertake this work. Five schools have been inspected by the consultant who is preparing a mitigation programme for each. This is expected to be ready shortly. The remaining eight schools will be inspected by the consultant in early March.
Remediation programmes for the remaining less affected schools will be drawn up following the appointment in the near future of a expert consultant who will advise on mitigation in these schools.
The full cost of the entire mitigation programme will be borne by my Department.
