Green Party Environment spokesperson Ciarán Cuffe TD, said today that, "Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that is present in many Irish homes. It can cause cancer if levels are allowed to remain high. This latest study, the largest of its kind, suggests that 9% of lung cancer deaths are caused by radon exposure. This is a shocking statistic and there is a moral imperative on the Government to immediately assist those living in homes with high levels of radon by reintroducing the Remediation Grants Scheme."

"There was provision for radon remediation grants, to offset 50% of the cost to householders, set out in the Radiological Protection Amendment Act of 2002. However, due to Government budget constraints the scheme was scrapped in 2003."

"People should be given financial help in situations where the levels of radioactivity are very high. An estimated 91,000 or 7% of the nation's homes are at risk from levels exceeding safety limits. Minister Roche should bring back the grants system so that older homes are protected. This measure would save lives," concluded Deputy Cuffe.