Emmet Stagg (Kildare North, Labour)
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Question 28: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if, in view of the fact that the RPII estimates that between 10% and 15% of all lung cancer deaths in Ireland, which is the equivalent of 150 to 200 deaths per annum, are linked to radon gas exposure, he will consider the introduction of a radon testing scheme for homes and a grant to assist with the cost of remedial measures in cases in which houses are found to be above the accepted safe level of radon; if, in view of the recent survey from the RPII showing that new homes fitted with barriers to prevent the build-up of radon gas still have high levels of the gas, he intends to undertake a review of the building control regulations introduced in 1998, particularly with a view to ensuring that the protective barriers are properly installed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22463/05]

Dick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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Over the years the Government, largely through the Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland, has committed significant resources to assessing the extent of the radon problem throughout the country and increasing public awareness of radon and public health. While the provision of Exchequer grant assistance for testing or remediation works is not envisaged, efforts will continue to be directed at improving information to householders to enable and encourage them to address monitoring or remedial requirements effectively and economically. The institute has recently embarked on a series of nationwide public information seminars targeted at selected areas with high radon levels. These seminars have received widespread media coverage and generated a large number of inquiries.

In October last I announced the publication of an updated technical guidance document under the 1997 building regulations containing enhanced radon prevention measures as recommended by the institute to be incorporated in the construction of new houses and buildings with effect from 1 April this year. The enhanced measures which call for radon sump outlets to be clearly identified should help to further raise awareness among householders and the building industry.

The institute has published the results of a recent survey undertaken by it of a number of houses in Kilkenny built before and after July 1998 when the updated 1997 regulations standards came into effect. This survey showed that, of the 33 houses built after July 1998, three had radon concentrations above the national reference level, including one which was very seriously affected and had a radon concentration of over seven times the reference level. However, the survey results also showed a reduction of some 33% in the average radon concentration in the houses built after July 1998 compared with the average concentration for houses surveyed by the institute under its national radon survey carried out in the period 1992 to 1997. I expect further improvements will emerge from the enhanced measures I have mentioned.

The testing of domestic dwellings for radon is straightforward and inexpensive, amounting to approximately €40 per house. I urge householders, particularly those in high risk areas, to check their houses for radon concentrations and carry out remediation work, if recommended.

Both my Department and the RPII will continue to use all appropriate opportunities to raise public awareness of the dangers of radon and every effort will continue to improve information to householders to enable them to address monitoring or remedial requirements effectively and economically.

Emmet Stagg (Kildare North, Labour)
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I remind the Minister that we are talking about 200 entirely avoidable deaths per annum. He has stated enhanced measures for excluding radon gas from houses were introduced recently. He has also referred to the building and other regulations made on foot of these which were developed by his Department under the guidance of his constituency colleague, Deputy McManus, when she was Minister of State at the Department. Does he agree that the regulations are not working because of one simple failure, that is, the expectation the building industry should self-regulate? If I were to pick one industry in the world that should not be asked to self-regulate, it would be the building industry. Strict regulation should be imposed on it rather than self-regulation.

That the houses supposed to have exclusion systems fitted since 1997 are now found to have dangerous levels of radon gas indicates clearly that the measures required to be taken at construction stage are not being implemented correctly. I am sure the Minister will agree. There is no inspection at any stage except at the end of the process, at which time an architect signs a piece of paper. This architect is hired by the builder during the planning process and subsequently paid by him or her to state the development is built in accordance with the building regulations, including radon gas regulations. Does the Minster have any view on enforcing the regulations rather than allowing self-regulation? Does he agree that there should be a requirement on those selling pre-1997 houses to have a radon test carried out on the dwellings before they are sold?

Dick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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I do not agree with the Deputy's gloomy view of the effect of the 1997 regulations. In so far as we do have a study — the study conducted by the RPII on houses in Kilkenny after the regulations came into effect — it suggests there has been a significant improvement. I accept it also suggests there is room for further improvement. I have sought to make the issue much more clear in the new regulations which I have outlined. For example, radon sumps should be marked clearly and readily identifiable.

On the general issue, the regulations I have introduced are being enforced. The Deputy's points on inspection and the sale of houses require further consideration. He made a point on the sale of older or other houses. As he will know, the RPII has made a submission to the Law Reform Commission advocating the inclusion of radon-reducing measures in further legislation on house conveyancing. I must give further consideration to this suggestion.

The regulations that have been introduced further strengthen the procedures. There is an overwhelming onus on property owners to ensure radon levels in their homes are properly monitored. It is not expensive to carry out a radon test. Paying €40 is certainly not difficult for most households. In a number of areas local authorities have provided monitoring devices, particularly for rented accommodation. I encourage householders to take up from the RPII what is available in terms of monitoring. I will give further consideration to the matter of conveyancing.

Emmet Stagg (Kildare North, Labour)
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Money is the usual problem. We have asked the Minister repeatedly to introduce grants to assist with the cost of remediation where required. I am not referring to testing for radon as this involves a relatively small sum of money. Last year the Department sent back €154 million which it did not spend to the Department of Finance. It sent back another €17 million pertaining to disabled persons' grants because it did not spend it. Therefore, there is no question of the Department not having the money.

Some 200 people are dying per year because of the radon problem. Their medical treatment is costing the State €200 million per year. The average cost of treating a lung cancer patient, from the time he or she is diagnosed with cancer to the time he or she dies, is €1 million per year, given that such patients usually die of cancer. Radon poisoning is costing the State a fortune. I ask the Minister to remedy the problem with a relatively small sum of money. The problem is, as I am sure the Minister will agree, that there are or should be two Departments involved — the Departments of Health and Children and Environment, Heritage and Local Government.

Dick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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The Deputy touched on a number of issues. Grant schemes announced by one Government in 1997 were never funded.

Emmet Stagg (Kildare North, Labour)
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That is because Fianna Fáil came into Government and abolished them.

Dick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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Grant schemes have been introduced elsewhere and have not been terribly successful.

Regarding the Deputy's other points, there are statistics. Nobody can put a price on an individual life and we should ensure that people, including property owners, take due responsibility.

Emmet Stagg (Kildare North, Labour)
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I am speaking of medical costs.

Dick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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I accept that is what the Deputy meant.