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.