Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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182. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if he will address a matter (details supplied) regarding radon gas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44302/17]

Denis Naughten (Roscommon-Galway, Independent)
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The National Radon Control Strategy (NRCS) Co-ordination Group was established to implement and track the key recommendations of the NRCS, which was published in 2014. The strategy recommends a broad range of measures aimed at reducing the risk from radon to people living in Ireland. This co-ordinated, Government-led, strategy aims to reduce both overall population and individual risk, particularly for people living in areas with high radon levels.

There were 31 identified action points set out in the NRCS, and it is intended that all will be implemented. Work has commenced on 27 of these action points, with 11 now complete, 10 on track for completion by May 2018, and the remainder being actively progressed. A progress report on implementation is submitted to me annually.

 While the economic analysis demonstrates that in general the radon intervention measures proposed in the strategy are cost-effective, it also shows that dealing with radon through prevention in new buildings is by far the most cost-effective approach.

  Cost has been identified as a disincentive to householders to both test and remediate their homes for radon. One of the recommendations made by the NRCS relates to financial incentives to encourage household action on radon. My Department is currently examining the feasibility of providing such financial incentives.