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Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 24 Feb 2000

Vol. 515 No. 2

Written Answers. - Radon Gas Levels.

Brendan Smith

Ceist:

110 Mr. B. Smith asked the Minister for Public Enterprise the measures, if any, being undertaken to assist in the elimination of radon gas from homes and public buildings, particularly where readings are above the reference level; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5736/00]

I refer the Deputy to my response to previous parliamentary questions in regard to radon gas, most recently my response to Parliamentary Question No. 51 on 15 February 2000 and No. 135 on 1 February 2000.

As I pointed out in my reply to those parliamentary questions, the Government has committed significant resources to assessing the extent of the radon problem throughout the country and in highlighting public awareness of radon. I also outlined some of the measures being undertaken by Government in tackling radon, particularly in relation to domestic dwellings and schools.

The Department of the Environment and Local Government's advice booklet Radon in Buildings, which is available from the Government Publications Sales Office, provides advice to householders and builders on preventative and remedial measures which can be undertaken in new and existing buildings to reduce high radon concentrations. That Department also published revised technical guidance documents relating to the building regulations which incorporate requirements for radon preventative measures to be undertaken in the construction of new houses from 1 July 1998. More elaborate measures are specified for new houses in areas identified as high radon areas in the Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland's National Radon Survey. The building regulations also require those involved in the design and construction of new buildings to exercise reasonable caution to avoid danger to health and safety caused by dangerous substances, which would include radon, found on or in the ground to be covered by a building.

The Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland operates an advice service on radon and can be contacted on freefone radon 1 800 300 600 by anyone seeking information on radon.
I am preparing legislation to give effect to an EU directive on basic safety standards for the protection of the health of workers and the general public against the dangers arising from ionising radiation. The legislation, applies to all work activities affected by radiation exposure including workplaces where radon is a problem. This legislation will take effect on 13 May next.
As the Deputy is also aware, the Minister for Education and Science commissioned the Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland to carry out a survey of radon levels in all primary and post primary schools. This survey is being carried out in three phases. The first phase has been completed and the results were recently announced by the institute. Arising from the first phase of the survey, the Department of Education and Science is arranging for a radon remediation programme to be drawn up with priority being given to those cases of greatest need. The cost of the radon remediation is being met by the Department of Education and Science.
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