Bernard Allen
Ceist:292 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Education and Science the schools that were detected as having high levels of radon; and the reason no remediation has taken place in 2003 on schools with high levels of radon. [25404/03]
Written Answers. - Radon Gas Levels.
Jan O'Sullivan
Ceist:349 Ms O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Education and Science if all schools have been inspected for radon gas emissions; the measures in place to ensure that schools are safe in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25184/03]
Bernard Allen
Ceist:383 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason remedial works in primary and second level schools have stopped where high levels of radon have been detected. [25405/03]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 292, 349 and 383 together.
In 1998 my Department, in consultation with the Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland, RPII, took a proactive approach to identifying and eradicating radon in schools. This commenced with my Department commissioning the RPII to conduct a survey of radon levels in all primary and post-primary schools. This survey predated legislation on the issue of radon in the workplace by over two years and the action taken exceeds any legislative requirement in that all schools, regardless of whether they were situated in areas of high radon, were invited to be tested. In addition, in June 2001, Circular 46/01 was issued to all boards of management informing them of my Department's initiative and advising schools on the course of action necessary for radon mitigation.
During the course of the survey, 4,072 schools were invited to participate, of which 3,798 responded and were sent detectors. Radon surveys were subsequently completed in 3,444 schools. Approximately 300 schools had radon concentrations above the workplace reference level of 400 Bq/m. These schools were advised to secure the services of suitably qualified personnel to carry out all remedial works specified by a consultant architect. These remediation works have not been stopped by my Department and are ongoing in 2003 and are fully funded by my Department. Where radon levels in classrooms are between 200 Bq/m and 400 Bq/m, my Department issues a grant of €191 per classroom, advising schools to install suitable vents in these classrooms. Over 800 schools qualified for grant aid under this category.
Initially, following completion of remediation works, post-remediation measurements were carried out by the RPII within a three to nine month period after remediation had taken place. This process is ongoing and the RPII continues to carry out post-remediation testing in schools. Consultations are ongoing between my Department and the RPII on the issue of the long-term efficiency of radon mitigation systems, which have been installed in schools and also to ensure that radon levels remain below the accepted reference levels.
To date, approximately 500 schools have not responded to the invitation to have radon measurements carried out. Following consultations with my Department's building unit, the RPII has been instructed to address this matter on behalf of my Department.
I would also like to assure the Deputies that my Department's building unit ensures that radon barriers are included in the designs of all new school buildings. A list of schools with radon levels above 200 Bq/m will be forwarded to Deputy Allen shortly.