Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
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63. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if health and safety investigations have been initiated by the other branches of the Defence Forces, whether by themselves or by external health and safety experts, to ensure that no other military personnel are exposed to the dangerous and carcinogenic materials or chemicals without the appropriate protective clothing, adequate training or basic equipment; and if he is satisfied that no other damning report such as that from the Health and Safety Authority into practices at Casement Aerodrome, Baldonnel will emerge. [7299/17]

Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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The health and welfare of the men and women of the Defence Forces is a high priority for me and for the Military Authorities. I am advised that it is the policy of the Defence Forces to manage Health and Safety risks to all of its members. This is achieved in line with national Health and Safety regulations. The Defence Forces are committed to continuous risk mitigation and encourage inputs from its stakeholders to ensure that the work environment is as safe as possible.

In addition to the Health and Safety Authority (HSA) report following inspections at Casement Aerodrome, Baldonnel, I am advised by the military authorities that one other inspection was carried out by the HSA in January 2017 in the Communications and Information Service Corps workshops in the Defence Forces Training Centre (DFTC), Curragh Camp. The report on this HSA inspection is expected in the coming weeks.

The DFTC Health and Safety Officer will address any findings of this report in an appropriate manner. A follow up visit by the HSA is scheduled for the second quarter of this year.