Liz McManus
Ceist:122 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Education and Science the action he is taking to deal with the unsafe levels of radon found in many schools during recent surveys; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26517/00]
Written Answers. - Radon Gas Levels.
My Department commissioned the Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland, RPII, to conduct a survey of radon levels in schools in 1998. All schools recognised by my Department were invited to participate. The survey is being conducted in three phases. The results of phase I of the survey were forwarded to the participating schools in January this year. Earlier this month, the results of phase II of the survey were forwarded to schools in the counties participating in that phase. Phase III of the survey is under way at present and the results are expected next year.
In May this year the Radiological Protection Act, 1991 (Ionising Radiation) Order, 2000 – Statutory Instrument 125 of 2000 – gave effect to the most recent revision of the EURATOM Basic Safety Standards Directive – Council Directive 96/29/EURATOM. This sets a national reference level for radon in workplaces of 400 bqMf7>3 over any three-month period. If radon exceeds this level an employer must evaluate whether remedial measures should be undertaken and, if so, such measures should be undertaken as soon as is practicable.
Remedial measures are complete in 13 of the worst affected schools that participated in phase I of the survey and arrangements are in place to carry out remedial work in a further 20 schools before the end of this year. Preparations are being made to have remedial work carried out in another 20 schools with maximum radon levels in a range between 404 bqMf7>3 and 573 bqMf7>3.
Prior to the commencement of the survey my Department had set a reference level 200 bequerels per cubic metre above which remedial measures to mitigate radon levels would be undertaken. This reference level is the same as that above which the Government, in 1990, advised that mitigation measures should be considered in domestic dwellings.
A pilot study of the natural ventilation in ten schools with maximum radon levels of between 200 bqMf7>3 and 400 bqMf7>3 is under way at present. The purpose of the study is to establish whether passive ventilation systems can be used to mitigate radon levels in this range, as opposed to the mechanical systems that have been, or are in the process of being, installed in the schools with higher levels. The results of the study are expected in January 2001 and these will allow my Department to plan a mitigation programme for the schools with maximum radon levels in excess of 200 bqMf7>3 but not exceeding 400 bqMf7>3. Meanwhile, my Department is advising schools that increasing the natural ventilation in affected rooms, where this can be achieved without discomfort to the users of those rooms, may be effective in reducing the level of radon.
The results of phase II of the survey have just been published. My Department will put arrangements in place within the next few weeks to have remedial work carried out in the participating schools in phase II of the survey with maximum radon levels in excess of 400 bqMf7>3.