Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)

Following concerns arising in regard to work undertaken on behalf of my colleague, the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, at the ISPAT site, as a purely precautionary measure, I directed that an independent investigation of any potential health issues arising at the naval base in Haulbowline be undertaken. An independent environmental health and safety assessment was commissioned by my Department in July of this year. A comprehensive and detailed assessment of soil, sediment and air quality was carried out in July to assess any potential risks posed to human health.

The initial report by the independent consultants was completed at the beginning of September. This report concluded that any risk arising within the naval base falls within the acceptable range, meaning that there is no exposure to undue risks and that no mitigating action needs to take place. The consultants advised that there was an area in the base, however, where certain levels were elevated. As a result, the consultants were requested to undertake additional testing in these particular areas to confirm the earlier test results. These tests have now been completed and my Department received the addendum report just over two weeks ago and the final consolidated report last week.

Following these further investigations the consultants again concluded that there is no exposure to undue risks. However, to ensure that best practice is followed in regard to matters like this it has been decided to cap one area which will be done by importing a layer of topsoil or by laying hard core.

The now completed report is in the final stages of being examined and I expect to receive a report from the Department and the military authorities next week. Once I have received this report, a joint meeting of the Naval Service and civilian employees partnership committees will be convened locally at the naval base and the report will be presented to them. It will be published immediately after that.

Again, I wish to state clearly that the findings show there is no unacceptable risk posed to personnel at the naval base and this is clearly supported by the independent assessment.

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