Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 4 Dec 1997

Vol. 484 No. 2

Written Answers. - Radon Gas Levels.

Ivan Yates

Ceist:

105 Mr. Yates asked the Minister for Public Enterprise if the Government will issue a directive to local authorities or environmental health officers in relation to the dangers of radon gas in each county as per the levels of radon gas as analysed by the Radiological Protection Institute; and whether it is her Department or the Department of the Environment and Local Government who will take responsibility for this in view of the uncertainty involved (details supplied). [21747/97]

Minister of State at the Department of Public Enterprise (Mr. Jacob)

I refer the Deputy to my letter of 27 November 1997 in response to the corresondence to which he refers.

I do not have power to issue directives to local authorities or health boards. However, in this instance the results of the Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland's National Radon Survey are well publicised and I understand that the institute notify county managers and health boards of their area results as they become available.

The Deputy will be aware that the Minister for the Environment and Local Government is responsible for the incorporation of guidelines in the building regulations for radon preventative measures in new buildings. He has also published an advisory booklet entitled "Radon in Buildings" which is designed to inform householders about radon and to provide guidance where it has been decided to take action to reduce radon levels.