Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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Question 147: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his plans to introduce a grant or other financial support for homeowners to carry out radon tests in their home. [5698/11]

Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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Over a number of years Government, largely through the Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland (RPII), has worked to assess the extent of the radon problem in Ireland, and to increase public awareness of the issue. Between 1992 and 1999, the RPII carried out a comprehensive National Radon Survey to measure radon concentrations in Irish homes. The principal objective was to assess the scale of the radon problem and, in particular, identify areas at higher risk of radon contamination above the National Reference Level of 200 becquerels per metre cubed (Bq/m3).

The Government's primary 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. 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. At present, there is no funding available through my Department to carry out radon tests. The cost of household radon texts is typically around €55. Further information is available on the RPII website www.rpii.ie .