Brendan Griffin (Kerry South, Fine Gael)
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Question 343: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding radon testing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33249/11]

Brendan Griffin (Kerry South, Fine Gael)
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Question 344: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if a radon remedial grant scheme will be established; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33252/11]

Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 343 and 344 together.

The RPII operates a radon advice and testing service in line with its statutory function to make the public aware of the hazards of ionising radiation including radon gas. I have no plans to review the role of the Institute in this regard.

In addition to providing information on its own testing service, the RPII also lists private radon testing services on its website. Private radon testing service providers are notified in advance of proposed RPII radon publicity campaigns. This enables private companies to avail of business opportunities created by these campaigns, and many private companies arrange advertising of their own to coincide with the RPII campaigns. RPII mailshots to householders in High Radon Areas include a list of all radon measurement services as well as information on the service offered by the RPII.

Through support for the RPII's radon advice and awareness work, my Department is supporting efforts to raise public awareness of the risks posed by radon, particularly in the home. Householders, particularly those in known high radon areas, have been strongly encouraged to have their homes tested for radon and to undertake remediation works where necessary. However, I have no plans at present to make it mandatory to have dwellings here tested for radon as a condition of sale when buying or renting a dwelling. There is no existing grant scheme administered by my Department for household radon remediation. The cost of a household radon test is typically around €55.