Written answers
Tuesday, 11 October 2005
Department of Health and Children
Departmental Property
9:00 pm
Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
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Question 149: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if, in regard to the removal of asbestos from Hawkins House during 2001, asbestos was detected in and removed from foyer area of the building; if staff working in the foyer area were notified of any such removal; the precautions which were taken to protect workers working in the foyer area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27516/05]
Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
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Question 150: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to concerns expressed by staff who worked in the foyer area of Hawkins House that they may have been exposed to asbestos during the removal of this substance from the building; if steps have been taken to determine if such workers may have been exposed to asbestos; the health or medical procedures which are available to persons who fear they may have been exposed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27517/05]
Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
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Question 151: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to concerns expressed by staff who worked in the foyer area of Hawkins House that they may have been exposed to asbestos during the removal of this substance from the building; if, in view of these concerns, she will ask the Health and Safety Authority to review the manner in which the asbestos was removed with a view to determining if any employees were put at risk; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27518/05]
Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 149 to 151, inclusive, together.
Hawkins House is owned by the Office of Public Works and they are responsible for maintenance and ancillary works required to be carried out on the building.
The OPW has confirmed that in June 1998 a preliminary survey of the boiler room in Hawkins House revealed small quantities of asbestos based thermal insulation. In February 1999, during the course of refurbishment works in the main foyer, further quantities of asbestos material were discovered on pipework embedded in the concrete floor. A more detailed survey of the building carried out in July 1999 uncovered isolated pockets of asbestos based materials in various forms such as ceiling tiles, duct linings and fire doors.
The asbestos material discovered on pipework embedded in the concrete floor during the refurbishment works in the main foyer was not removed. It has been left in situ and completely sealed within the floor area where it poses no threat.
The OPW advised that the isolated pockets of asbestos-based materials in various forms such as ceiling tiles, duct linings and fire doors should be left untouched. At present, left untouched, they pose no health risk.
Following a tender competition carried out by the OPW, the material in the boiler room in Hawkins House was removed in February 1999 in accordance with all of the Department of Environment and Local Government, local authority and Health and Safety Authority regulations. Prior to the work the successful contractor forwarded to the Health and Safety Authority a method statement setting out how the asbestos would be safely removed and issued a notification of commencement of asbestos work to the health and safety authority. The system of work set out in the method statement ensured that the occupants of the building were not exposed to any risk during the removal works.
This work was carried out in February 1999 and, at all times during the asbestos removal, my Department was kept advised of the potential risks involved if the material was not properly managed. Air tests were carried out by specialist consultants before, during and after works to provide assurances that there were no airborne fibres present and that, consequently, there was no danger to staff. Clearance certificates were issued at the time.
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