James Bannon (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government his plans to address high levels of radon gas exposure in residential properties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40891/12]

Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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The Government, largely through the Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland (RPII), has worked to assess the extent of the incidence of radon in Ireland, and to increase public awareness of the issue.

In 2002 the RPII published the report of the National Radon Survey of radon in homes in Ireland. The results of the national radon survey identified certain parts of the country which are prone to high levels of radon. Approximately one third of the country is classified as a High Radon Area. A map showing the High Radon Areas is published on the RPII’s website.

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 ri sks posed by radon in the home. 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 re mediation works where necessary .

Since 1998 the Building Regulations require all new buildings to incorporate radon protection measures at the time of construction. In October 2004 an updated edition of Technical Guidance Document C on Part C of the Building Regulations (Site Preparation and Resistance to Moisture) was published incorporating enhanced radon prevention measures for new buildings commencing on or after 1 April 2005. This guidance document is aimed at ensuring that radon protection measures are carried out more effectively. Copies of the guidance documents are available on my Department’s website – .

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 also available on my Department’s website. The RPII has also issued guidance, Understanding Radon Remediation - A Householders Guide , which is available on the Institute’s website at , together with 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.

An Inter-Agency Group , established in September 2011 under the leadership of my Department , has been tasked to develop a National Integrated Strategy for Radon Control. Further measures to address radon in residential properties will be considered by this Group as part of its overall remit. The Group will submit an Interi m Report to Government by the end of 2012 and a final Report by the end of 2013.