Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Independent)
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Question 488: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the plans his Department has to extend the monitoring of radon gas in domestic dwellings. [23151/05]

Tom Hayes (Tipperary South, Fine Gael)
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Question 493: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the assistance in place for householders who discover they live in an area with high levels of dangerous radon gas. [23352/05]

Tom Hayes (Tipperary South, Fine Gael)
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Question 494: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if, in view of the prevalence of radon gas here, he has plans to provide free radon detectors to householders in badly affected areas. [23354/05]

Dick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 488, 493 and 494 together.

The Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland has allocated significant resources to assessing and highlighting the problems associated with high levels of radon in households throughout Ireland and to increasing public awareness of the risks. During the 1990s the institute undertook a major nationwide radon survey aimed at determining the extent of the radon problem in Ireland. In total, more than 11,000 houses were measured for radon levels. Of these, about 9% had radon concentration above the national reference level, the reference level for long-term exposure to radon in a house, above which the need for remedial action should be considered, is 20Bq/m3. It has been estimated on the basis of this survey that approximately 91,000 houses, or 7% of the national housing stock, would therefore have radon concentration above the reference level. It is a matter of concern to the RPII that just over 3,000 of these households with radon concentrations above this level have been identified.

My Department and the institute have consistently urged householders to measure their homes for radon levels, particularly if they live in an area that is considered to have high radon concentrations. The testing is inexpensive, costing approximately €45, straightforward and non-invasive. Direct subsidies for testing equipment are not envisaged.

If the household is found to have high radon levels remediation work may be recommended. Technical guidance on radon remediation techniques is available in a booklet issued by my Department called "Radon in Buildings — Corrective Option". The Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland has also issued guidance entitled "Understanding Radon Remediation — A Householders Guide". In addition, the website of the Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland —www.rpii.ie— has a list of companies that can provide a radon remediation service and can offer specific advice and recommendations.

To heighten public awareness of radon, the RPII has in recent times embarked on a series of nationwide public information seminars and road shows which are targeted in particular at selected high radon areas. These seminars have resulted in media coverage throughout the country and have been linked to an increase in inquiries from the public seeking information on how to get their homes tested for radon.

Although the provision of Exchequer grant assistance for remediation works is not envisaged, my Department, along with the assistance of the Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland will continue to highlight the dangers of radon using all appropriate opportunities. Every effort will also be made to provide information to householders so that they can carry out monitoring and remedial work effectively and economically should it be necessary.