Written answers

Tuesday, 28 June 2005

Department of Education and Science

Radon Gas

10:00 pm

Photo of Bernard DurkanBernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 752: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if she has sought or studied reports in respect of the incidents of various forms of cancer in respect of school children attending schools in areas reported to have high levels of radon gas; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22759/05]

Photo of Mary HanafinMary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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The position is that my Department, in co-operation with the Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland, RPII, has been funding a radon detection and remediation programme in schools since 1998. The radon reference set for the workplace under the Radiological Protection Act 1991 (Ionising Radiation) Order 2000, SI 125 of 2000, is 400 Bq/m3. Notwithstanding the fact that the radon reference for workplaces is 400 Bq/m3, my Department issues grants to schools for the installation of suitable vents in classrooms where radon levels are between 200 Bq/m3 and 400 Bq/m3.

Schools with levels above 400 Bq/m3 are advised to secure the services of a suitably qualified consultant architect-engineer to carry out all necessary remedial works and these works are funded by my Department. Following completion of remediation works, post remediation measurements are carried out by the RPII to determine if the remediation has been effective. This process is ongoing and the RPII continues to carry out post remediation testing in schools.

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