Lisa Chambers (Mayo, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

We have received quite worrying reports of practices and, to use one of the terms mentioned, "practical jokes". Something known as "tubbing" was reported, for example, which is where new recruits were tossed into baths full of unknown chemicals as a joke and an initiation process. There is a culture in that regard. There is a lack of appreciation of the ongoing dangers associated with these chemicals. Also worrying is the fact that many people are reporting now that they presented with symptoms and health issues to medical doctors but were not given the assistance or help they needed. The connection was not made, or perhaps they did not wish to make it, between their work with the hazardous materials and chemicals and the health issues they faced. Some of them continue to experience severe health problems. This speaks to the wider issue of adequately resourcing essential capabilities in the Defence Forces and resources in the Air Corps.

The Minister of State did not answer the questions. Has he or the Department contacted the whistleblowers? Has the independent third party contacted the whistleblowers? The Minister of State also did not answer my question about the safety management system review that was conducted in 2013. Were the recommendations made in that review implemented? The Minister of State referred to the six cases pending before the courts. I appreciate that he cannot discuss the individual cases or their merits, but I must strongly point out that the State should only be defending cases where it believes it does not have a case to answer. If the State has committed a wrong, it should compensate the victims properly. The Minister of State should not put people through the trauma of a court process where they have a genuine claim. Every effort should be made to settle such cases out of court with the individuals involved. The only people served by defending the indefensible are the lawyers.

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