David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)
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Question 138: To ask the Minister for Health and Children further to Parliamentary Question No. 420 of 8 July 2008, if she has given further consideration to conducting a baseline health study in the Cobh area of County Cork; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45904/08]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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Earlier this week my colleague the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government published the report on the assessment of current site conditions at the former Irish Steel facility at Haulbowline. The report was compiled by Environmental Consultants who were engaged by the Minister earlier this year to carry out an independent and rigorous assessment of site conditions. The assessment involved analysis of soil, slag, dust, surface and ground water samples for all likely contaminants to determine whether there is a threat to human health or the environment and to assist in securing the site from a health and safety perspective pending the Government's decision as to its future use.

The report from this assessment will inform subsequent discussions at Cabinet level and I understand that the Minister will bring a Memorandum to Government in the New Year for decisions on whatever actions are shown to be necessary including the question of any studies in regard to human health.