Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

At the outset I would like to assure the Deputy that the health and welfare of the men and women of the Defence Forces are a key priority for me and for civil and military management. As the Deputy is aware, there are a number of processes already in train relating to reviewing health and safety procedures in the Air Corps.

As I stated in the Dáil on 25 January 2017, the Health and Safety Authority, HSA, conducted inspections at the Air Corps premises at Casement Aerodrome, Baldonnel, on three occasions in February, April and September last year. 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 inspection report to the Air Corps which 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. On 20 December 2016, the Air Corps wrote to the HSA outlining its proposed improvement plan. The Air Corps advised that it was fully committed to implementing the improved safety measures to protect workers from potential exposures to chemicals and will ensure risks are as low as reasonably practicable. The Air Corps improvement plan is being conducted over eight phases. I am advised that seven out of the eight phases are planned to be completed by May 2017. Additional risk assessment of particular chemicals, policy review and health surveillance and biological monitoring will also be considered.

As recognised in the HSA report of October 2016, the Air Corps had already commenced activities of improvement and was proactive in implementing change before, during and after the engagement with the HSA.

In addition to the HSA review, the Deputy is aware that, in September 2016, I appointed an independent third party to review allegations made in a number of protected disclosures relating to health and safety issues in the Air Corps, which I received in late 2015 and early 2016. It is important that I get a clear and independent view of the issues raised by those who have made such disclosures.

Interim recommendations and observations from the independent reviewer were received by me in December 2016 and were passed to the military authorities for immediate action, where appropriate, and response.

Additional information not given on the floor of the House

On 7 January 2017, a response was received from the military authorities outlining the actions under way and this has been forwarded to the independent reviewer for consideration.  I understand that the reviewer is considering this material, and determining the next steps required in order to finalise his review.

I assure the Deputy that I will ensure that all recommendations, whether arising from the work of the Health and Safety Authority or the ongoing protected disclosure review, will be acted upon to ensure the safety of the men and women of the Air Corps.

In the circumstances, and pending the completion of the current processes, I have no plans at this time to commission an independent health outcome study of aircraft maintenance personnel and of personnel working in aircraft maintenance shops in the Air Corps.

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