Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael)

Cuirim fáilte roimh an Aire. I do not want this matter to become a political dogfight. I appreciate Senator Boyle's role in Cork prior to his party joining the Government. He will give me some support today.

It is unfortunate and regrettable that I have been required to seek an urgent debate on the extent of toxic waste in Haulbowline. It is time for honesty and for answers to be given to the people of Cork, who deserve answers and to be treated with respect by officials, the Government and the relevant agencies and councils. It is time that the full facts be given. Last week's events in the Lower House were unacceptable. Answers are required. The Minister and his Department must address what is being labelled by many as a cover-up of the treatment of highly hazardous waste at Haulbowline.

That some 500,000 tonnes of hazardous waste are buried in Cork Harbour is extraordinary and it beggars belief that, to date, the genuine concerns of residents and locals have not been addressed. Last week, Senator Boyle issued letters in this respect. We need answers. Can the Minister provide me and the people of Cork a guarantee that their health and lives are not at risk? The site is being flushed twice per day by the tide washing in under the site and leeching material.

Last week and despite the Minister's comments in the media, it took two Irish Examiner journalists — Eoin English and Conor Kane — to reveal what was occurring. I salute them for their courageous efforts. Why did it take the Thursday, Friday and Saturday editions of the Irish Examiner to reveal the extent of events? Why did a person appointed to make representations to three agencies receive no answers? What was known, what has occurred and what will occur? That three to five commissioned reports have not been published is alarming. Was the report on chromium 6 passed on to the Department? If so, who saw it and what action was sanctioned and taken? If it was not, why did Cork County Council, the EPA, or whoever was involved who had the report not pass it on to the next relevant authority?

This latest episode again highlights the need for a base-line health survey in the area. Why did the Minister's Department engage in a clean-up and fail to present a precise plan to those of who were not in the know? It seems there was no plan.

The Minister and his colleagues have rightly described this as an environmental disaster. It has been covered up. The full facts have not emerged and there is a continuing potential risk to human life.

Will the Minister indicate if there was cover-up? The Minister may look with disdain at my question but as Minister, he is responsible. The EPA, Cork County Council and the Department have a case to answer.

What happens from hereon? Has a decision been taken on what to do next with the site? What will be the cost of the full clean-up and is the Minister prepared to sanction one? Will the EPA have to apply to have the site licensed as a toxic waste dump?

The people of Cork deserve an answer and I look forward to the Minister's reply. He is here as a man of integrity and honesty. I hope the Green Party will stand up to Fianna Fáil because the people of Cork are tired of being treated badly by the Government.