Seán Crowe (Dublin South West, Sinn Fein)
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Question 23: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his plans to introduce a grant or other financial support for homeowners who are on low incomes or dependent on social welfare income to carry out radon tests on their homes. [6910/11]

Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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The extent of the radon problem in Ireland has been assessed by the Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland (RPII) over a number of years. 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).

Through the RPII's radon advice and awareness work, my Department supports efforts to raise 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 a household radon test is typically around €55. Further information is available on the RPII website www.rpii.ie.