Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

As I indicated to the Deputy in my letter of 17 May 2017 and my reply to Question No. 2278 on 20 June 2017, I was advised by the military authorities that there was a report on measuring carbon monoxide fumes from aircraft compiled by Forbairt in 1995 and a further report on monitoring air contaminants in workshops in 1997, which was also compiled by Forbairt.

Unfortunately, following an extensive search and the military authorities having consulted Enterprise Ireland, which superseded Forbairt, and having also conducted a search within the Department, it has not been possible to locate these reports.

The military authorities have indicated that the Defence Forces have neither a hard copy record nor an electronic copy of the Forbairt reports. The military authorities have indicated there are a range of potential causes for the loss of the reports such as the changeover of electronic recording systems in 2004 or that the reports were misplaced over time. However, this is purely speculative.

This matter was raised with me in recent correspondence where certain allegations were made that the documents had been destroyed. The correspondence in question was also addressed to the Chief of Staff and to the Deputy. I have requested a report from the Chief of Staff on the actions taken on foot of the accusation. When that report is to hand, I will consider what further steps may be required.

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