Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Let me assure the Deputies that, as Minister of State with responsibility for Defence, the health and welfare of the men and women of the Defence Forces are a high priority for me and the Defence Forces.

The State Claims Agency is currently managing six claims taken by former and current members of the Air Corps for personal injuries alleging exposure to chemical and toxic substances whilst working in the Air Corps in the period 1991 to 2006. As litigation is ongoing, the Deputies will appreciate that I am limited in what I can discuss.

It is the policy of the Defence Forces to manage health and safety risks to all of its members proactively. This is done in line with national health and safety regulations. The Defence Forces risk management system is designed to an internationally recognised standard. The Defence Forces are committed to continuous risk mitigation and encourage inputs from personnel at all levels to ensure the work environment is as safe as possible. Areas where members of the Defence Forces are handling toxic materials in the context of their work are subject to stringent risk mitigation and continuous review by health and safety practitioners.

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I am informed that during 2016 the Health and Safety Authority, HSA, conducted inspections at the Air Corps premises at Casement Aerodrome, Baldonnel, on three occasions - 4 February, 5 April and 28 September. During these visits the Air Corps outlined the most recent developments regarding its health and safety practice and procedures, which were being developed in consultation with risk management experts. I understand that the HSA met with Air Corps personnel, safety representatives and other employees and observed some workplaces and work practices. On 21 October 2016, the HSA issued its report of inspection to the Air Corps. This report listed a number of advisory items for follow-up. They included the areas of risk assessment, health surveillance, monitoring of employees' actual exposure to particular hazardous substances and the provision and use of personal protective equipment. The Air Corps was very appreciative of the advice and support of the HSA.

On 20 December, the Air Corps wrote to the HSA outlining its proposed improvement plan and indicating that the Air Corps is fully committed to implementing the improved safety measures that protect workers from potential exposures to chemicals and will ensure risks are as low as reasonably practicable. The Air Corps has confirmed that it is implementing an improvement plan which is being conducted over eight phases. The first phase commenced in September 2016 with planned phased completion dates to December 2017. I am advised that seven out of the eight phases are planned to be completed by May 2017. The eight-phase implementation plan is focused on a number of areas, for example, activity-based risk assessments. Additional risk assessment of particular chemicals, policy review and health surveillance and biological monitoring also will be considered.

I will now outline the actions I have taken to date regarding protected disclosures relating to the Air Corps, which were received in November and December 2015 and January 2016. The Deputies will appreciate that in so doing, I must have regard to the fact that there is ongoing litigation relating to certain disclosures. I must also have regard to the obligation in the Act to protect the identity of those making such disclosures. I assure the Deputies that I take disclosures very seriously and the actions I have taken will illustrate this.

Legal advice was sought on how best to progress certain disclosures, as elements related to matters that are the subject of ongoing litigation. The Department was also aware that the HSA had visited the Air Corps with regard to the use and management of chemicals. It was decided that an external reviewer should be appointed. With some difficulty, an individual was sourced and I appointed him in July 2016 to carry out a review of the disclosures. However, in the event, he ultimately was not in a position to carry out the review. In September 2016, I appointed an alternative independent third party to review the allegations made in the outstanding disclosures, and those making the disclosures were informed of this fact. I believe that in this instance, it is important that I get a clear and independent view of the issues raised by those who have made these disclosures.

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