Emmet Stagg (Kildare North, Labour)

Will the Minister not agree it is extraordinary that the number of people dying from the effects of radon gas is almost the same as the number killed on our roads? We spend huge amounts of money, energy, time and public attention on deaths on our roads and ignore the fact that 300 people die from something that is unnecessary and avoidable. Those deaths could be avoided for very little cost.

I welcome the fact the Minister is including social housing in a programme of retrofitting. Will he look again at the works that are done because the Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland has found that some of the new houses that were supposed to be fitted with radon gas exclusion measures are allowing the gas into houses because they were not fitted properly? Even where houses were retrofitted some houses were still found to have gas levels. Obviously the methods used are not as effective as the RPII hoped or perhaps they are not being fitted as well as the RPII hoped. If there was some type of an examination at the fitting stage to that particular part of the house, whether retrofitted or otherwise, it would be of benefit. If a grant scheme was in place it would provide an opportunity to examine the fitting of these measures by the State in the interests of the citizens.

In reviewing the matter, will the Minister examine the situation of people outside the social housing arena who are not in a position to spend €10,000 or €12,000 to have the house retrofitted where they can demonstrate there is a case for some assistance either through the health board or some other system?

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