Emmet Stagg (Kildare North, Labour)
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Question 188: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will launch a major initiative in areas prone to high radon levels which are known from the radon maps exercise with a view to testing homes in these areas in a concerted, co-ordinated manner in view of the statement from the RPI that they estimate that there are 91,000 homes in the State which have high levels of radon gas, and the fact that only 3,900 of these homes have been identified to date. [30922/06]

Dick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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The Government has, largely through the Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland (RPII), committed significant resources to assessing the extent of the radon problem throughout the country and to increasing public awareness of radon. For example, the nationwide survey of radon in domestic dwellings carried out by the RPII in the 1990s enabled the RPII to identify and define high radon areas, i.e. areas where the RPII would estimate that more than 10% of the houses have radon concentrations levels above the National Reference Level of 200 Becquerels per cubic metre. These areas, as referred to in the Question, are identified in a map produced by the RPII which is available on the RPII's website www.rpii.ie.

Information to the public from the RPII, through press releases and radio and TV interviews, and published reports on radon, has regularly highlighted the risks associated with exposure to radon. Householders, particularly those in high radon areas, are constantly encouraged to have their homes tested for radon and to undertake radon remediation works where necessary. Other initiatives to further heighten public awareness of the radon issue include the RPII's annual National Radon Forum. The aim of these Fora, the first of which was held in 2002, is to provide the opportunity for those with an interest in radon to come together and discuss issues of mutual interest. These Fora are open to the public and, therefore, help to further raise public awareness of radon. The 5th Forum is scheduled for November 2006.

The RPII has published a booklet entitled Understanding Radon — A Householder's Guide, and has also produced and distributed an information poster on radon for display in libraries, medical centres, etc., advising people to have their homes checked for radon. In 2004, as part of a heightened radon awareness campaign, the RPII began a series of nationwide public information seminars, or roadshows, on the dangers of radon which are targeted at selected high radon areas. These involve the RPII meeting with local groups, including where possible, the local authority and/or the local chamber of commerce; presentations to schools; hand-outs in shopping centres, etc. over a 2 to 3 day period. So far, the RPII has held 7 of these seminars or roadshows in different locations throughout the country and more are planned.

Recent research commissioned by the RPII has found that 75% of the general population are aware of radon. In addition, over the past two years, there has been a significant increase in the number of radon measurements undertaken by householders compared with previous years. I believe that the continuous campaign advising on radon risk, radon testing and radon remediation represents a proper provision of public information. Both the RPII and my Department will continue with this approach and urge householders, particularly those in high radon areas, both to have their homes tested for radon and to undertake, if necessary, the appropriate remediation works. Every effort will also be made to provide information to householders and employers so that they can carry out monitoring and remedial work effectively and economically should it be necessary.