Sharon Keogan (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I also congratulate the Cathaoirleach on his first year in office. I wish to highlight an issue many businesses, particularly those who buy online, will face from Thursday. From 1 July, VAT will be charged on all goods imported from any country outside of the EU, including the UK, irrespective of value. Of course, in Ireland, VAT on most goods and services is 23%.

Another issue I wish to draw attention to is carbon gas and its dangers. Radon is a radioactive gas linked to 300 cases of lung cancer each year in Ireland and, after smoking, it is the second largest cause of lung cancer, with one third of the country classified as a high-radon area by the Environmental Protection Agency, EPA. The EPA and Geological Survey of Ireland, GSI, mapping shows that nearly half a million people are at risk of having high levels of radon in their homes. Radon gas seeps into homes through small cracks and gaps in foundations or openings of service pipes. As it has no colour, taste or smell, it can only be detected through a radon test. It costs around €50 for a test kit. A fan-assisted sump, which can cost up to €1,500, can be installed in a day by a contractor to reduce radon levels by over 90%. However, there is no grant available to cover the cost of the test or installing a sump. The cost to our health system of treating lung cancer caused by radon is many times more than the cost of offering free sumps to high-radon homes and the human impact is incalculable.

The Government published a national radon control strategy in 2014 followed by a second five-year phase that launched in 2019 with a focus on prevention and awareness through testing. This is a hidden and issue that is not spoken about and needs urgent attention. Will the Leader arrange for the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications to come to the House to give us an update on the progress made and whether he has considered providing financial support to local authorities for radon remediation works?