Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 296: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if excessive radon levels detected in certain schools throughout County Kildare have been made known to the parents, teachers and boards of management; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20226/06]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

In 1998 my Department commissioned the Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland (RPII) to conduct a survey of radon levels in all primary and post-primary schools. In addition, in June 2001 circular letter M46/01 issued to all Boards of Management informing them of the Department's initiative and advising schools on the course of action necessary for radon mitigation.

During the course of the survey, 4,072 schools were invited to participate. A report published by the RPII in May 2004 showed that approximately 7% of schools tested in County Kildare had radon levels in excess of 400 Bq/m3. The RPII wrote to each of these schools, enclosing a copy of the test results, and advising that the results of the survey be made available to all staff and parents. It was also recommended that a copy of the results be filed in the school's Health & Safety Manual for future reference.

The radon reference set for the workplace under the "Radiological Protection Act, 1991 ((Ionising Radiation) Order, 2000" (Statutory Instrument 125 of 2000)) is 400 Bq/m3. Notwithstanding the fact that the radon reference for workplaces is 400 Bq/m3, the 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 fully funded by the 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 continue to carry out post remediation testing in schools. Radon barriers are included in the design of all new school building projects.