Ceist:
180 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Public Enterprise when grants will be available for structural work to houses affected by radon gas; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27635/00]
Written Answers. - Radon Gas.
On 27 September last, the Government approved the introduction in 2001 of a radon remediation grant scheme. Some £1.559 million has been allocated to my Department's Vote in respect of the scheme in 2001.
The purpose of the scheme is to assist householders who have high levels of radon in their houses to undertake the necessary radon remediation works.
The precise details of the scheme have yet to be finalised. However, it is envisaged that the grant scheme, which will commence in the latter half of 2001 and wind up in 2010, will be administered by the Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland. The scheme would apply to private and local authority houses and to houses provided by voluntary housing organisations. Grant assistance will represent 50% of the total cost of the remediation work, subject to a maximum grant of £800 per household.
The specific details of the scheme will be settled by a steering committee comprising my Department, the Departments of Finance and Environment and Local Government and the RPII. I expect to announce details of the scheme in the new year. The scheme will be up and running in the second half of next year.
As you will be aware, I had, for some time, been seeking Government funding for such a grant scheme. I hope it will provide an incentive to householders with high radon concentration levels in their homes to undertake the appropriate remediation works.