Defence Department Rejects Naval Base Health Scare Claims

They rejected the suggestion by Deputy Clune that health screening has been refused by the Minister for Defence, Willie O'Dea, T.D.

The allegations were made by a contractor working on the former ISPAT site that there is contamination at the Naval Base.

In view of this and the concerns being raised in relation to the site the Defence Department has now instructed that a contractor (RPS) conduct soil and air analysis.

This analysis is independent of the analysis being conducted by the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government.

The Naval Base football pitch has also been placed out of bounds to facilitate this work.

The Defence Department also pointed out that the Defence Forces provide annual medical examinations and health screening for members of the military, including the Naval Service.

According to the official statement, "There is currently no indication that the current situation at the former ISPAT site represents any risk to the health of Naval Service personnel or civilian employees at the Naval Base. There has been no demand for any additional screening."

The investigation by the environmental contractor is expected to be completed in about six weeks.

The situation will be reviewed in the light of that report and the outcome of studies conducted by the Dept of Environment, Heritage and Local Government.