Paudie Coffey (Waterford, Fine Gael)
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Question 238: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government due to the fact that parts of Ireland has high levels of radon gas and that radon is considered a public health problem, his plans to make it mandatory to have each dwelling here tested for radon when they are being sold or rented, thus making it a condition of sale when buying or renting a dwelling; the changes in legislation required to ensure radon testing is carried out; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16662/11]

Brendan Griffin (Kerry South, Fine Gael)
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Question 239: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his plans to implement a national radon testing programme with a subsequent radon remedial action grant scheme for buildings with high radon readings, in areas such as Castleisland, County Kerry, where consistently high readings are found in buildings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16669/11]

Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry South, Independent)
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Question 241: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding radon. [16771/11]

Billy Timmins (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Question 270: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the position regarding grant aid towards the cost of remediation works to homes in which there are high levels of radon; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16593/11]

Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 238 to 241, inclusive, and 270 together.

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. However, I have no plans to make it mandatory to have dwellings here tested for radon as a condition of sale when buying or renting a dwelling. 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, which is available on my Department's website at www.environ.ie. The RPII has also issued guidance, Understanding Radon Remediation - A Householders Guide, which is available on the Institute's website at www.rpii.ie, together with a a list of companies who can provide a radon remediation service and offer specific advice and recommendations. In addition, the RPII can be contacted for radon advice on freephone 1800 300 600.

There is no grant scheme available through my Department for household radon testing or remediation. The cost of a household radon test is typically around €55.