Jack Wall (Kildare South, Labour)
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Question 55: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government further to Parliamentary Question No. 7 of 8 November 2006, if he has given further consideration to the provision of assistance to householders, outside of the social housing arena, to retrofit their homes against radon gas and who are not in a position to afford the cost of the retrofitting; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42477/06]

Dick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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As stated in response to previous Questions, the Government has for many years, largely through the Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland, committed significant resources to assessing the extent of the radon problem throughout the country and to highlighting public awareness of radon and the health risks associated with radon. In reply to Question No. 607 of 1 November 2006, I outlined the numerous initiatives undertaken by the RPII and my Department. Householders, particularly those in high radon areas, have been strongly encouraged to have their homes tested for radon and to undertake radon remediation works where necessary.

Increasing the awareness of the public is considered to be a more effective approach than the provision of State financial assistance schemes to householders for radon testing of their homes or for radon remediation works. Such schemes of assistance are not operated by the majority of EU Member States. It would be difficult for a demand led scheme of domestic radon grants to ensure appropriate and cost effective targeting of remedial action. Furthermore, such a scheme could require very significant public expenditure and administrative resources.

Government efforts and resources, together with the RPII, will continue to focus on highlighting public awareness of radon and on improving information to householders and employers so as to enable and encourage them to address monitoring or remedial requirements effectively and economically.