Joanna Tuffy (Dublin Mid West, Labour)
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Question 200: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he plans to reintroduce the remediation grants scheme to assist householders to take precautionary measures against the harmful effects of radon gas in their homes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21350/07]

Tony Killeen (Clare, Fianna Fail)
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There are no plans to create a scheme of grant assistance for remediation of homes with radon levels that exceed the National Reference Level adopted by the Government in respect of houses. No such scheme has been introduced in Ireland previously.

Increasing the awareness of the public to the risks posed by radon in the home 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 significant public expenditure and administrative resources.

The testing of houses for radon is a relatively straightforward, non-invasive and inexpensive (approximately €50) process.

The Government, largely through the Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland (RPII), has, for many years now, 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 prolonged exposure to high radon concentrations.

Householders, particularly those in high radon areas, as identified by the RPII in a nationwide survey (see RPII website www.rpii.ie), have been strongly encouraged to have their homes tested for radon and to undertake remediation works where necessary. This will continue to be the focus so as to enable and encourage householders to address monitoring and remedial requirements effectively and economically.

In addition, the Building Regulations introduced by the Department in 1998 and up-dated in 2004 also require all new buildings, including new houses, to incorporate radon protection measures at the time of construction.

Technical guidance on radon remediation techniques is available in a booklet issued by this Department called Radon in Buildings — Corrective Options and which is available on the department's website at www.environ.ie. The RPII has also issued guidance entitled Understanding Radon Remediation — A Householders Guide. This is available on the RPII website, as is a list of companies who can provide a radon remediation service and can offer specific advice and recommendations.