asked the Minister for Energy if his attention has been drawn to the fact that some 20,000 Irish homes are estimated to have radiation levels over 20 times the level permitted from man-made sources; and if he has any strategy to deal with this.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Radiation Levels.
7.
I understand that a national survey is being carried out on naturally-occurring radon levels in Irish homes. Until it is completed it would be premature to speculate on the size and extent of the problem. I believe that the results of the survey to date, however, show that most homes in Ireland do not have significant radon levels. Responsibility for such remedial measures, if any, as may be necessary will lie with the Department of the Environment, in consultation with the Nuclear Energy Board, when the final results of the survey have been presented.
As the Minister confirmed that 20,000 homes are estimated to have radiation levels over 20 times the level permitted from manmade sources, does he consider it appropriate for his Department to set — as other countries have — intervention limits where action needs to be taken to deal with this problem? Does the Minister think that we are tardy not to use the early returns to move on this?
It is better to wait for the full report which should be completed by the end of the year. The figures, so far, show that a small percentage — about 2 per cent — of Irish homes appear to have indoor radon levels in excess of the normal figures. The solution to the problem of radon levels lies with the Minister for the Environment in consultation with the Nuclear Energy Board. The Department of the Environment will handle identification of particular risk areas and take decisions on appropriate methods of reducing the risks. The policing of any system introduced will be a matter for that Department who are monitoring the situation while awaiting the final report at the end of the year. I should like to emphasise that the levels there are not a matter of concern. I would not want any scare stories going around.
Will the Minister confirm that when he says 2 per cent in excess of expected figures he means 2 per cent in excess of levels 20 times the permitted exposure to a member of the public from any nuclear industry? Will the Minister agree that in other European countries where percentages of this level have been found remedial action has been taken? Will he agree that ample evidence has been assembled in Europe without waiting for results of the survey in Ireland to set intervention levels and design a response to this problem?
The Department of the Environment are monitoring this in consultation with the NEB. They are waiting for the final report which should be available by the end of the year. For example, the particular responses could be under ventilation, floor insulation and so on. This matter is being looked at by the Department.