Michael Kitt (Fianna Fail)

A report last week on the incidence of radon gas highlighted Castleisland but in many parts of the west there has been a very high incidence, causing up to 300 deaths per year. In the absence of new legislation in this area will the Leader inquire if there is a possibility of grants being restored to protect people from this radioactive gas? The Department of Education and Science spent a large sum last year remedying the problem in some schools but it should look at other schools. Public buildings, including the Houses of the Oireachtas, should also be examined because old buildings are a problem. Those built since 1998 have a radon barrier in place. This matter is worthy of debate.