Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)

Deputy Deenihan mentioned my assurance to the House. I am simply communicating to the House the results of the report. To reiterate, a joint meeting will be convened in Haulbowline, hopefully next week when the report is ready, between representatives of the naval staff and civilians and the details of the report will be explained to them. I will then immediately publish the report and make it available to Opposition spokespersons. It will also be available on the website.

I appreciate what Deputy Deenihan says about levels of certain contaminants being found. However, the report states categorically that the level is far below the risk level identified by the Health and Safety Authority. In other words, the report states the site is quite safe, despite what is buried underneath. I understand that raised levels of contaminants were found in a certain part of the site where lead and zinc batteries had been buried. It is proposed to cap that part of the site, although that part of the site is quite safe as things exist. However, it is best practice to cap such areas. Essentially, the report gives a clean bill of health to Haulbowline.

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