Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

716. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the action taken to ensure the safety of those persons currently working in the Casement Aerodrome upon receipt of protected disclosures made relating to the working conditions in the Casement Aerodrome; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6120/17]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

717. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the reason the independent third party appointed to investigate the protected disclosures made relating to the working conditions in the Casement Aerodrome has yet to contact those persons who made the disclosures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6121/17]

Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I propose to take Questions Nos. 716 and 717 together.

It is the policy of the Defence Forces to proactively manage health and safety risks to all of its members. This is done in line with national health and safety regulations. The Defence Forces Risk Management System is designed to an internationally recognised standard. The Defence Forces are committed to continuous risk mitigation and encourage inputs from personnel at all levels to ensure the work environment is as safe as possible.

Areas where members of the Defence Forces are handling toxic materials in the context of their work, are subject to stringent risk mitigation and continuous review by health and safety practitioners.

As I advised the House on Wednesday, 25 January, the third party appointed to investigate the claims made in the protected disclosures was examining a response received from the military authorities on 7 January 2017 and would then determine the next steps required in order to finalise his review.  It is my understanding that he had arranged to meet one of those individuals who made those disclosures yesterday, Monday, 6 February. It should be noted that the reviewer is independent in the discharge of his review and it is open to him to carry out such interviews as he may deem necessary to complete his work.