Dan Boyle (Cork South Central, Green Party)
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Question 275: To ask the Minister for Finance the location and number of Office of Public Works buildings at present being investigated or previously treated for the presence of asbestos; if the public employees and their families will be given an assurance that, where buildings in which they have worked were treated for the presence of asbestos, full medical consultative procedures will be placed at their disposal to alleviate anxieties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3867/06]

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 277: To ask the Minister for Finance the number of State buildings by county, including Government offices, schools, Garda stations and so on, for which surveys and inspections have been carried out to determine the type, form and condition of asbestos present; the number of inspections per county which have yet to take place; the schedule of work for removal of asbestos to be undertaken in 2006; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3875/06]

Tom Parlon (Laois-Offaly, Progressive Democrats)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 275 and 277 together.

The information regarding the number and location of buildings surveyed, being surveyed or being treated for asbestos is given in the following table. The Commissioners of Public Works are finalising their 2006 programme in the light of these surveys and in consultation with the occupants of the buildings involved.

The availability of medical screening to staff etc. in buildings where asbestos has been detected is a matter for the relevant Departments or Government offices and I am aware that such arrangements are in place generally on request. In addition, full consultative procedures in relation to the management of asbestos in buildings have been in place for some time under the general direction of the commissioners. These arrangements will continue for the duration of the programme.