7th March, 2002
Dr. Henry: I, too, congratulate the Minister of State on having brought forward this Bill. For a very long time we totally underestimated the problem posed by radon gas and the effect it has on human health. The Minister of State should encourage the development of baselines in various areas to signify the approximate extent of the problem in those areas. It would be worthwhile doing this.
When the Minister of State was in the House discussing Sellafield I pointed out that if there is an influence on human health here, we are in a rather weak position to point it out because we do not have baselines regarding the problems caused by unlicensed dumps which may contain hazardous material due to the high levels of nitrates in ground water. We need to try to establish baselines in order that we can see the current levels, to determine if they are increasing or decreasing, and what effect they have on human health. Certainly, the importance of radon, even among the medical profession, has been recognised only in the past two decades. I congratulate the Minister of State very much on taking action in this area.
Visit the Irish Government Website for the full text of this speech: Click Here
Back to: Second Stage | Committee Stage
Speech Menu
Top