Dominic Hannigan (Labour)

The Senator will have an opportunity to speak to the motion. The chemical in question, also known as hexavalent chromium, causes cancer and is the same material against which US activist, Erin Brockovich, campaigned. For more than 60 years steel production on the Haulbowline site turned this small island in Cork Harbour into one of the most dangerous dumps in the country.

The Minister has indicated that he has been assured by his Department that people will not be exposed to health risks from hazardous waste in the area. He also met local residents to assure them of his commitment to assist them. I visited the site in the summer of 2008 and spent an evening attending a service in the church on the island and partaking of refreshments, before touring Haulbowline. During my visit I spoke to many local residents of Cobh, Crosshaven and other areas close to the island. The people of this part of County Cork want a baseline study carried out to identify exactly what health risks are posed by the island's hazardous waste. Despite the presence of the Green Party leader and Minister, Deputy Gormley, and the party chairman, Senator Boyle, action has not been taken in this matter. I understand the Minister approached the Minister for Health and Children, but she is not agreeable to having a baseline study carried out. I ask the Minister to clarify the position.

In summary, on a range of measures related to environmental protection and enhancement, including waste management, water quality, coastal erosion and climate change protection, the Government has failed to act. Despite assurances to the contrary and promises to address these matters, the record of the Government in general and the Green Party, in particular, speaks for itself. The Government has failed to deliver on environmental issues.