Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)

I thank the Minister for his reply. I find it amazing that he does not have information about any other sites around the country apart from Haulbowline, which his Department is directly involved in. That particular revelation showed that the Minister was very proactive in reassuring people at the time that there was no risk to public health. Even when my colleague, Deputy Stanton, and others revealed that a baseline study was required into the increased cancer rate in Cobh, he appeared to have no difficulty in coming forward with that information or meeting residents' groups about these matters.

Since the revelations about Haulbowline has the Minister asked the EPA or his Department about any other potential sites around the country of a toxic nature that might present a risk to public health and require remediation and an action plan? In the event, have costs been devised for such areas?

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