Ciarán Lynch (Cork South Central, Labour)
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Question 350: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he has considered the inclusion of a radon gas test as part of the building energy rating system in view of the possible effect of increased insulation on gas emissions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37024/11]

Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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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 radon in the home. In this context, the Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland (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. 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. Technical guidance on radon remediation techniques is available in a booklet issued by my Department: Radon in Buildings - Corrective Options. The RPII can also offer specific advice and recommendations and has issued the guidance document: Understanding Radon Remediation - A Householder's Guide, while their website provides a list of companies who can provide a radon remediation service.

In addition to these measures, Part C of the Building Regulations requires all new buildings, including new dwellings, built since 1 July 1998 to incorporate radon protection measures at the time of their 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. In addition to the radon sump, in high risk areas, a fully sealed membrane of low permeability over the entire footprint of the dwelling is specified.

There are currently no proposals within my Department to consider testing for radon gas as part of the Building Energy Rating (BER) scheme introduced under the European Communities (Energy Performance of Buildings) Regulations 2006 – 2008,which give effect to the relevant EU Directive (2002/91/EC) Every BER Certificate is accompanied by an advisory report detailing further energy efficiency improvements that should be considered for the building in question. The advisory report highlights radon gas risks where relevant and advises homeowners and practitioners where further guidance can be obtained.