John O'Mahony (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 441: To ask the Minister for Education and Science his plans to fund testing of primary and secondary schools to measure the presence of radon gases; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39991/09]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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My Department undertook a Radon Remediation Programme, commencing in 1998 when it commissioned the Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland (RPII) to conduct a survey of radon levels in all primary and post primary schools.

The programme involved surveying radon levels in schools and carrying out mitigation works where appropriate. The Radon Remediation Programme is administrated by the Planning and Building Unit of my Department.

All schools were advised of the programme and, where excess radon levels are located, 100% funding is provided to schools for the mitigation works. Follow-up monitoring continues to take place to ensure that the remediation action has been successful.

Radon barriers are included in the design of all new school building projects.