Written answers

Wednesday, 24 January 2018

Photo of Aengus Ó SnodaighAengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
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34. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence his plans to follow the approach of other states in addressing concerns raised by Air Corps personnel in relation to the issue of toxic exposure. [3179/18]

Photo of Paul KehoePaul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy will be aware, following an inspection in 2016, the Air Corps has continued to work with the Health and Safety Authority (HSA) to improve its health and safety regime. The military authorities have informed me that the HSA has formally noted the considerable progress made to date by the Defence Forces towards implementation of a safety management system for the control of hazardous substances. Subject to completion of the improvement plan, the HSA investigation is closed. However, it must be noted that in the Air Corps health and safety is a matter of ongoing monitoring, supervision and adjustment.

The Deputy has previously raised the matter of the Australian approach with me which I have address in my response to PQ No. 849 of 7th March 2017. As I indicated at the time, I am informed by the military authorities that there are a number of published reports and on-going studies in relation to Australian personnel who were exposed to chemicals while conducting a particular maintenance task on a specific aircraft programme. As such, the military authorities have advised that it would be difficult to draw a direct comparison between the Irish Air Corps and that of the Australian Air Force.

The Deputy will also be aware that the State Claims Agency is currently managing 7 claims taken against the Minister for Defence, for personal injuries alleging exposure to chemical and toxic substance whilst working in the Air Corps in the period 1991 to 2006. As litigation is ongoing it would be inappropriate to comment further.

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