Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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Question 436: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will introduce the radon remediation grants which were set out in the Radiological Protection Amendment Act 2002; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20618/08]

Michael Kitt (Galway East, Fianna Fail)
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The Radiological Protection (Amendment) Act, 2002 provided, inter alia, the statutory basis for the Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland (RPII) to administer a radon remediation grant scheme in respect of houses from moneys to be provided by the Oireachtas. Such a scheme could require significant public expenditure and administrative resources.

It would be difficult for a demand led scheme of domestic radon grants to ensure appropriate and cost effective targeting of remedial action. Therefore, the Government's approach, which is similar to that of the majority of EU Member States, is that our efforts are better concentrated on increasing public awareness of the risks posed by radon in the home.

The Government, largely through the RPII, has, for many years now, committed significant resources to assessing the extent of the radon problem throughout the country, and to increasing public awareness of radon and the health risks associated with prolonged exposure to high radon concentrations. The Building Regulations introduced by my 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 the Department, titled Radon in Buildings — Corrective Options, which is available on the Department's website. 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 offer specific advice and recommendations.