Billy Timmins (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Question 400: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position regarding homes in which the radon levels have been found to be high in view of the risks associated with prolonged exposure to high radon concentrations; the grants that are available to householders to carry out necessary radon remediation work; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26468/10]

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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The Government, largely through the Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland (RPII), has been active for a number of years in assessing radon-related issues in Ireland. Between 1992 and 1999 the RPII carried out a National Radon Survey to measure radon concentrations in Irish homes. The principal objectives were to measure the scale of the radon challenge in Ireland and to identify areas at higher risk of radon concentrations above the National Reference Level of 200 becquerels per metre cubed (Bq/m3).

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 the build up of radon in the home. Householders, particularly those living 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.

If a dwelling is found to have a high radon level, remediation work may be recommended. Technical guidance on radon remediation techniques is available in a booklet issued by my Department: Radon in Buildings - Corrective Options. The RPII has also issued guidance: Understanding Radon Remediation - A Householder's Guide. In addition, the website of the RPII provides a list of companies who can provide a radon remediation service and the RPII can offer specific advice and recommendations.

There is no scheme of grant assistance that exclusively targets remediation works in private dwellings with radon levels that exceed the National Reference Level. However, where a suites of works is being grant-aided under the Scheme of Housing Aid for Older People, which is available to assist older people, generally over 60 years, to have necessary repairs or improvements carried out to their homes, local authorities may also, as part of the package of works, assist with the provision of radon remediation works, where applicable.

The Building Regulations require all new buildings, including new houses, built since 1st July 1998 to incorporate radon protection measures at the time of construction. This includes the fitting of an inactive radon sump, which can be activated at a later stage to reduce radon concentrations if this is found to be necessary. 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 from the website free of charge. The RPII can also be contacted on freephone 1800 300 600.