Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

I move amendment No. 3:

In page 9, between lines 4 and 5, to insert the following:“and

(iv) by the insertion of the following paragraph after paragraph (k):

"(l) to report annually to the Oireachtas on the implementation of the National Radon Control Strategy or any successor strategy.",".

I will broaden the point I made earlier. One of our concerns is that we are not paying sufficient attention to the issue of radon gas and its effect on health. The radiological protection agencies have a role in this regard. I refer to the need for them to report to the Oireachtas to highlight the level of risk. In particular, as will be seen in later amendments, there is a real concern regarding the lack of attention to mitigating this real risk in rental properties. It is a risk which can be mitigated at relatively low cost and with significant effect. As I stated, it is estimated that there are 200 related fatalities a year. That is the equivalent of the number of road deaths.

It is a failing in the current system that we do not set high conditions on addressing that risk. I understand it was recommended that such reporting mechanisms would be included in the responsibility of the radiological protection authorities, but that has not been provided for in the legislation. That is the reason for the proposed insertion of this wording, the obligation "to report annually to the Oireachtas on the implementation of the National Radon Control Strategy". It is a hugely significant health issue. We are not addressing it at present. This is an opportunity to strengthen the reporting requirements and I hope the Government can support it.