Brendan Howlin
Ceist:19 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Public Enterprise if she has obtained funding for the provision of a radon remediation scheme for householders; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26922/98]
Written Answers - Radon Gas.
I refer the Deputy to my response to Question No. 49 on 10 November 1998.
I sought funding for a radon remediation grant scheme for households in the context of the 1999 Estimates. Unfortunately because of budgetary constraints, funds will not be available for such a scheme in 1999.
I remind the Deputy, however, that while the Government is not in a position to provide direct financial assistance to householders in the current year, every effort is being made to address the problem of high radon levels in dwellings. The Radiological Protection Institute's national radon survey is due to be completed by early next year and will give a comprehensive picture of the areas in the country where householders may be at risk. This survey has been complemented by recent radon preventative measures introduced by the Minister for the Environment and Local Government and local authorities in the context of the technical guidance documents related to the consolidated national building regulations 1997. These measures, which relate to the construction of new houses, came into effect in July last.
The RPII has also initiated, at the request of the Minister for Education and Science, a survey of ground floor radon levels in respect of primary and secondary schools in Ireland. This survey, which commenced in September, will be carried out over the next three school years.
These measures are indicative of the Government's efforts to create an awareness of radon and to tackle the problem of high indoor radon levels in dwellings and schools.