Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 20 Jun 2000

Vol. 521 No. 4

Written Answers. - Radon Gas Levels.

Thomas P. Broughan

Ceist:

17 Mr. Broughan asked the Minister for Public Enterprise the reason he will not introduce a scheme to assist residents to carry out remediation works to homes in the high radon areas through the provision of grants, in view of the buoyant state of Government finances; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17310/00]

Minister of State at the Department of Public Enterprise (Mr. Jacob): I have no funds with which to provide direct financial assistance to householders for radon remediation measures in the current year. While I can give no commitment about a grant scheme at present, I am keeping this matter under continuous review.

The Government has committed significant resources to assessing the extent of radon problems throughout the country and in highlighting public awareness of radon. Along with the RPII, I have encouraged householders in those areas designated as high radon areas and who have not had their homes measured for radon levels to contact the RPII with a view to having radon levels assessed.

I will continue to take an active role in monitoring progress on dealing with the radon problem in households and in encouraging the RPII in its public awareness campaign.