Joanna Tuffy (Dublin Mid West, Labour)
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Question 242: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the report Radiation Doses Received by the Irish Population published in July 2008 by the Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland, a three year baseline study of the various sources of ionising radiation which the Irish population is exposed to, and its conclusions that radon is the primary source of radiation dose, is cancer causing, and is one of the few sources that can be controlled through remediation; the steps he is taking to ensure that people vulnerable to exposure can afford to take remediation measures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33040/08]

Michael Kitt (Galway East, Fianna Fail)
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A copy of the report Radiation Doses Received by the Irish Population was provided to me by the Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland (RPII) at the time of its launch in July 2008 and I have noted its contents. The report summarises the most comprehensive study of its kind undertaken in Ireland, bringing together data on exposure of the Irish population to all sources of radiation, both natural and artificial.

The Government's approach to radon, which is similar to that of the majority of EU member states, is to concentrate efforts on increasing public awareness of the risks posed by radon in the home. The Government, largely through the Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland (RPII), has, for many years now, worked towards assessing the extent of the radon problem throughout the country. Between 1992 and 1999 the RPII carried out a comprehensive National Radon Survey (NRS) to measure radon concentrations in Irish homes. The principal objective was to identify the scale of the radon problem in Ireland and to identify areas at higher risk of radon contamination.

Householders, particularly those in known high radon areas, have been strongly encouraged by the RPII to have their homes tested for radon and to undertake remediation works where necessary. The RPII have carried out targeted information campaigns in high radon areas and in some instances where areas of particularly high radon levels have been found they have written directly to householders in these areas. Since the completion of the National Radon Survey the RPII has completed radon measurements in an additional 22,000 homes. This will continue to be the focus so as to enable and encourage householders to address monitoring and remedial requirements effectively and economically.

If the household is found to have high radon levels remediation work may be recommended. Technical guidance on radon remediation techniques is available in a booklet issued by my Department called Radon in Buildings — Corrective Option. The Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland (RPII) have also issued guidance entitled Understanding Radon Remediation — A Householders Guide. In addition, the Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland (RPII) www.rpii.ie have a list of companies who can provide a radon remediation service and can offer specific advice and recommendations.

Some remediation techniques can be undertaken by the householder at relatively low cost, such as the sealing of cracks and gaps in the floor and around entry points for pipes and cables at floor level. It may also be possible to increase the ventilation to a house, thus dispersing any build up of radon gas, by unblocking existing air vents, providing additional wall vents or by installing window trickle vents. The Scheme of Housing Aid for Older People is available to assist older people, generally over 60 years, to have necessary repairs or improvements carried out to their homes. Where a suite of works is being grant aided under this scheme, local authorities may also, as part of the package of works, assist with the provision of radon remediation works, where applicable.

My Department has already given approval to a number of local authorities to undertake, on a sample basis, radon surveys of their housing stock in high incidence areas. In addition the RPII have directly contacted local authorities with known areas of high radon concentration to encourage them to test local authority housing stock for radon, and where necessary, take remedial action.

Since 1998 the Building Regulations require all new buildings to incorporate radon protection measures at the time of construction. In October 2004 an updated edition of Technical Guidance Document C on Part C of the Building Regulations (Site Preparation and Resistance to Moisture) was published incorporating enhanced radon prevention measures for new buildings commencing on or after 1 April 2005. This new guidance document is aimed at ensuring that radon protection measures are carried out more effectively.

My Department will continue to work closely with the RPII, local authorities and other interested agencies to raise public awareness and to promote testing and remediation works.