Arthur Morgan (Louth, Sinn Fein)

The first point regarding the situation at Haulbowline is that the persistent claims by the Government that there is no health risk do not ring true. This morning I was informed that excavation work was being carried out in what was believed to be the most contaminated part of the site. Interestingly, a departmental official who was present to represent a Department which claims that there is no health risk was wearing a protective mask. Perhaps the precautionary principle was in operation. Apparently, the driver of the excavator was not wearing such a mask and Members may take from that what they will.

This matter has arisen previously. Several reports in 1995 stated the site was heavily contaminated on the basis of dust samples and indications there had been leaks into the river. However, these reports were not acted upon and 39 workers who were allowed onto the site were not advised to wear protective masks, thus placing them in a highly dangerous position. This was a highly irresponsible decision, given that the reports ought to have acted as a warning sign regarding the health risks to any person accessing the site and, in particular, any person working directly in the contaminated area.

When workers and contractors on the site heard of the rumoured reports and their contents, they requested copies but were told they were confidential. I have been informed that five reports have concluded the site is heavily contaminated. If there are such reports on health and safety issues, there is a legal and moral obligation to make them available. To do otherwise is to place those working in such circumstances in danger without their knowledge. Arising from their concerns, the aforementioned 39 workers have sought medical advice. However, the doctors who have examined them are hampered by not knowing what tests to carry out because no one is certain exactly what contaminating substances are involved, apart from the confirmation that chromium 6 is one of them. However, such information is contained in the reports and making them available constitutes a clear matter of public interest, not least to the 39 workers concerned, as well as others who may have come into contact with those substances.

This is the issue at stake. While it may be a source of embarrassment for several Ministers and former Ministers as far back as 1995, that is only a minor issue. The Minister should put aside the desire to score points or to hide his blushes and publish the reports, which is what the people want.

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