Lisa Chambers (Mayo, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

There is much mention of reports but there are missing reports which have not been accounted for in highly suspicious circumstances. There is no review report from the Minister of State in terms of the whistleblower allegations. We do not know what the recommendations will be and we have had no health review of those affected. We have had very little progress since we first raised this issue in the Chamber with the Minister of State. The progress is extremely slow and very unfair to those affected.

Last month I met six former members of the Air Corps. I am sure the Minister of State has met at least some of that group. All were in their 40s, apart from one who was in his 50s. They are suffering from huge health problems they all believe stem from their exposure to chemicals in the Air Corps. All have had colonoscopies, in some cases more than one. A has had rectal cancer, neurological neuropathy and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, COPD, despite having never smoked. B has Hodgkin's disease and COPD. He has had five emergency surgeries. He has lost his house, his marriage has broken up and he lives in constant pain. C has suffered huge health issues including two heart attacks. He once was once found face-down on the floor. Thankfully his wife was a first responder. D has experienced nausea, anxiety, diabetes, autoimmune conditions and so on. E was doused in chemicals as a prank and as a direct result of that has ongoing health issues.

These are individuals I have met in person. This cannot be a coincidence. We need an immediate health review of all persons possibly affected. The State needs to step up. If we have done wrong and if, as an employer, our inadequacy in health and safety has resulted in serious problems for people we need to step up and ensure their health cover is paid for and they are properly compensated.

It is the right thing to do.

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