Dr. Martina Cleary:

I have deep concerns and reservations about conflicts of interest in the composition of the NSAI panel. I was shocked recently to read some of the parliamentary questions asked about who is sitting on the panel. We in County Clare know, and I certainly know having interviewed 90 homeowners extensively over the past three years, who the suppliers are in our county. Unfortunately, I also have testimony from homeowners regarding the fact that over the years blocks were taken out of a number of houses by the supplier and sampled by particular companies. We know it has been going on in Clare for about 30 years. When the homeowners asked for the evidence from the blocks, or even access to the results of the tests, they were denied them.

Recently, I had to check some of the email records given to me by homeowners. I was disturbed to see that one of the individuals who was denying access to scientific testing for Clare homeowners was now part of the NSAI committee.

My concern is that an influential and powerful supplier is overtly or covertly influencing the acceptance of what has been scientifically proven. That should be investigated. There should be a full public inquiry. There should also be an inquiry into who from the large suppliers and their representatives is sitting on the panel.