Tánaiste has responsibility to members of Air Corps exposed to hazardous chemicals – Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire TD

Sinn Féin spokesperson on Defence, Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire TD, has today raised with the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence, Simon Harris, the worrying issues of health and safety measures in the Air Corps and the multiple reported cases of long-term medical conditions that former Air Corps personnel believe to be connected to exposure to hazardous chemicals.

Speaking today in the Dáil, Teachta Ó Laoghaire said:

“Tánaiste, you will be aware of a recent settlement regarding a Mr Gary Coll, of €2m without liability, after he had lodged proceedings regarding exposure to dangerous chemicals while working for the Air Corps.

“I don’t wish to discuss any case before the courts. Many affected don’t want to have to go to court. But as a matter of policy, your Department has a responsibility to ensure issues regarding former defence forces personnel are addressed, if their health has been compromised.

“You will be aware of the organisation Air Corps Chemical Abuse Survivors, and I sent you their demands last night.

“My first question – will you bring in measures to ensure the medical care of those affected is supported?

“Tánaiste, for many many years, personnel in the Air Corps, particularly those in the repair shop, were exposed to very dangerous chemicals. Despite this, there were no meaningful precautions in terms of health and safety until in very recent years.

“In the meantime, hundreds of personnel were exposed. According to ACCAS they have identified some 110 untimely deaths of Air Corps personnel that may potentially be connected.

“I’m not sure if you saw the Prime Time segment, it included an interview with Paul Flynn from his hospital bed.

“We know that this is not an issue unique to Ireland. The Dutch and Australian governments have had to address it.

“In Australia there was the SHOAMP – study of health outcomes for aircraft maintenance personnel.

“We need a similar model, we need a medical intervention and a health assessment of the impact of these chemicals on the personnel, and crucially medical care provided potentially using models of medical cards such as were provided in the context of institutional abuse.

“Will you do that?

“ACCAS have demanded a statutory investigation into the Health & Safety failures in the Irish Air Corps including an investigation into the role of the State Claims Agency’s failure to alert the HSA of “ongoing” failings when known.

“Will you put in place such an enquiry to properly look into this profound failure?

“It should go without saying, these are personnel who as part of the Defence Forces gave their careers to the service of the State.

“If their health is now profoundly compromised, the State has a responsibility here.”