David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)
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Question 391: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the methodologies in place to test for the presence of chromium 6, mercury and zinc in the population and also as part of autopsies; if her Department has research or statistics on such levels particularly in the Cork Harbour area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27463/08]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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I am not aware of any relevant research or statistics relating to these tests either nationally or in the Cork Harbour area. The area of study comprehended by the Deputy is referred to as Human Bio-Monitoring (HBM). The E.U. is at an early stage of examining the feasibility of a coherent approach to HBM in Europe. I understand however, that it is recognised internationally as a complex area not least because some studies are longitudinal in nature and may require invasive procedures. Experience has shown that this can lead to a high attrition rate among participants over time. The matter is further complicated, at this stage, by the lack of internationally agreed mechanisms for such studies which would provide comparative data within and between countries. I understand that the discussions at EU level will endeavour to address all of these matters.