Willie Penrose (Longford-Westmeath, Labour)
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Question 452: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the steps being taken by him to raise the public awareness of radon; if his attention has been drawn to the existence of high radon areas in counties here which could in fact impact on up to 91,000 homes; the approach being pursued by him in implementing measures to ensure the minimisation of the risk from radon to residents in these housing stocks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40764/08]

Michael Kitt (Galway East, Fianna Fail)
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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 in Ireland. In July 2008 the RPII published the results of a three-year long baseline study on the exposure of the Irish population to ionising radiation, which includes radon. This report, entitled "Radiation Doses Received by the Irish Population", is the most comprehensive assessment of radiation exposure ever undertaken in this country.

The Report found that, as is the case in the majority of other countries, radon is the principal source of radiation exposure in Ireland, representing over 56% of the dose received by the Irish population. In terms of reducing our exposure to radiation, radon is the area where the greatest impact is possible.

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. These radon prevention measures were in advance of building code requirements in many EU Member States.

As regards houses built before 1998, the Government's approach, which is similar to that of the majority of EU member states, is to concentrate on awareness-raising. 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, in partnership with Local Authorities and the Health Service Executive (HSE), has 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. This will continue to be the focus so as to enable and encourage householders to address monitoring and remedial requirements effectively and economically.

If a 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 RPII has also issued guidance entitled "Understanding Radon Remediation — A Householders Guide". In addition, the website of the RPII provides a list of companies who can provide a radon remediation service and can offer specific advice and recommendations.

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.

A working group involving my Department, local authorities and the RPII has recently been set up to provide clear guidance for local authorities on addressing high radon concentrations in social housing. 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. A number of local authorities are already taking action in this regard and it is intended to build on their, and the RPII's, experience in this area. Members of the public can access information on radon on the RPII website, www.rpii.ie. Publications and information leaflets about radon can be downloaded free of charge. The RPII can also be contacted on Freephone 1800 300 600.

On Thursday, 6 November, 2008 I opened Ireland's Sixth National Radon Forum in the Royal College of Physicians, Dublin. The theme of the Forum was "how agencies can work together to assess, communicate and fix radon problems". The aim of the Forum, in addition to raising public awareness, was to provide the opportunity for those with an interest in radon to meet and discuss issues of mutual interest. These included radon measurement companies, remediation companies, researchers, legislators, representatives of national agencies with responsibility for building standards, health and safety experts as well as members of the public and the national media.

My Department will continue to work closely with the RPII, the HSE, local authorities and other interested agencies to raise public awareness as well as promote radon testing and remediation works. This multi-agency approach to dealing with radon is in line with international best practice, as recommended by the World Health Organisation's International Radon Project, which is co-funded by the Irish Government.