Michael Ring
Question:496 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Education and Science the schools nationwide which showed a higher than acceptable level of radon gas; and the action being taken to tackle this issue. [20064/03]
Written Answers. - School Accommodation.
Michael Ring
Question:497 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Education and Science if radon gas levels are measured at all primary and secondary schools; and if so, the frequency. [20065/03]
Paul Connaughton
Question:525 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of primary and post-primary schools here that are known to be above the safety standards in so far as radon gas is concerned; the remedial action on the schools; if constant monitoring of such schools after remedial action has taken place; the number of such schools which have not been monitored, in cases where there are high levels of radon found; if the school principals and the boards of management have been notified, if his Department will grant aid such remedial work to ensure that children are not exposed to high levels of radon gas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20147/03]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 496, 497 and 525 together.
In 1998 my Department, in consultation with the Radon Protection Institute of Ireland, took a proactive approach to identifying and eradicating radon in schools. This commenced with my Department commissioning the RPII to conduct a survey of radon levels in all primary and post-primary schools. This survey predated legislation on the issue of radon in the workplace by over two years and the action taken exceeds any legislative requirement in that all schools, regardless of whether or not they were situated in areas of high radon, were invited to be tested. In addition, in June 2001, circular letter 46/01 was issued to all boards of management informing them of my Department's initiative and advising schools on the course of action necessary for radon mitigation. All remediation works carried out are fully funded by my Department.
During the course of the survey, 4,072 schools were invited to participate, of which 3,798 schools responded and were sent detectors. Radon surveys were subsequently completed in 3,444 schools. Approximately 240 schools had radon concentrations above the workplace reference level of 400 Bq/m. All 240 schools were advised to secure the services of suitably qualified personnel to carry out all remedial works specified by a consultant architect. Some 90% of these schools have since been remediated and the remaining 10% are expected to commence remediation work shortly.
Where radon levels in classrooms were between 200 Bq/m and 400 Bq/m, my Department issues a grant of €191 per classroom advising schools to install suitable vents in these classrooms. Some 898 schools qualified for grant aid under this category.
Post-remediation measures will be a continuous feature of this project. Initially, following completion of remediation works, post-remediation measurements were carried out by the RPII within a three to nine month period after remediation had taken place. This process is ongoing and the RPII continue to carry out post-remediation testing in schools. Consultations are ongoing between my Department and the RPII on the issue of the long-term efficiency of radon mitigation systems which have been installed in schools and also to ensure that radon levels remain below the accepted reference levels.
A number of schools to date have not responded to the invitation to have radon measurements carried out. My Department's building unit and the RPII are currently addressing the most appropriate way of having these schools examined and remediated, where necessary. I would also like to assure the Deputies that my Department's building unit ensures that radon barriers are included in the designs of all new school buildings.