Vol. 520 No. 5
15 Mr. Higgins (Mayo) asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of primary and post-primary schools in County Mayo which have been radon tested; the number which exceed the minimum standard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7686/00]
39 Mr. Belton asked the Minister for Education and Science the primary and post-primary schools in County Mayo which have been tested for radon; the steps which have been taken to reduce radon levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7685/00]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 15 and 39 together.
My Department commissioned the Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland in 1998 to undertake a survey of radon gas levels in all primary and second level schools. This survey is being undertaken in three phases and involves the measurement of the radon gas concentration over a full school year in every occupied ground floor room in the school. Schools in ten counties were surveyed over the 1998-99 school year. Schools in Mayo are being surveyed over the current school year, 1999-00.
The measurement period for this current phase has just concluded. I understand that many of the second level schools involved in this current phase of the survey have begun to return the detectors to the RPII for processing. The RPII has written to primary schools seeking the return of the detectors. The RPII expect to be in a position to issue the results to each school, including those in Mayo, later this year.
My Department has appointed a consultant to devise mitigation programmes where necessary. To date, a number of schools have had mitigation programmes implemented and a further series of programmes are pending. The full cost of the entire mitigation programme will be borne by my Department. Furthermore, schools have been given advice on the interim measures that may be taken to reduce the build up of radon. Additional information will be disseminated to all schools with radon levels in excess of the reference level shortly.
