asked the Minister for Finance the circumstances in which asbestos was found to be leaking in the basement of the College of Art section of the Houses of the Oireachtas; the steps that were taken to prevent the contamination of staff working in that area; the measures that were taken to ensure that the area is now safe; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Houses of the Oireachtas Asbestos Leak.
5.
The question is taken to refer to action taken in relation to some defective insulation on pipes within a central heating system in the basement of the former College of Art. As part of a contract which has been carried out to provide improved heating in the National Library it was found that some old asbestos insulation was breaking loose on the original heating pipes.
In accordance with normal practice when dealing with asbestos a specialist firm was engaged by the main contractor to remove the insulation using recognised safety procedures and equipment. These included sealing off the affected area and subsequent testing by the IIRS to ensure compliance with safety standards. Appropriate cleansing arrangements were undertaken.
The occupant of a room near the work area was relocated during the progress of the work. The area and room in question have been reported to be satisfactory by the factory inspector of the Department of Labour.
Can the Minister tell us why when this work was in progress no one in that building was informed that it was polluted by asbestos? Can the Minister tell us why the young man concerned who was working in the room in which the asbestos was loose was subsequently suspended for refusing to go back into that room?
The room is and was clear at that time, was cleared by the IIRS and an inspector of the Department of Labour. It was declared a fit place. What happened with regard to the person involved is another matter. I understand that he has been facilitated outside the room. He is not a direct employee. As a matter of fact, he is an employee of my party, as I think the House is aware, and he has now been facilitated in another room. That is a matter between him and his employer. I suppose he is employed by the House as well. Deputies know of the arrangements of which I speak — that of people working within the structure of the public service and for a party. The room is safe and has been reported safe by the IIRS and by an inspector of the Department of Labour. What happens between him and other people after that is not really my concern, but the room was declared safe prior to the time the Deputy mentioned.
The question still remains as to what are the Minister's or the IIRS' standards of safety in regard to asbestos. It is a commonly held view that there are no safe levels of asbestos pollution. Can the Minister tell us what levels of asbestos pollution were in that room when they declared it safe?
All the information I have here and all I know is that the area was deemed to be satisfactory by a factory inspector of the Department of Labour. It was also deemed to be satisfactory by the IIRS, who are the experts in this field. It was considered to be all right and safe for anybody in it. The pipework in this area has been reinsulated with an improved insulation material. A contract has since been completed for the removal of asbestos insulation and reinsulation of the pipework in the pump room in Leinster House. It is proposed to carry out similar works in conformity with standard safety measures in other parts of Leinster House. These works will continue, particularly when the heating station has been closed or when the House is closed during the summer months, as and when it can be carried out. These are old buildings where there has been asbestos. I should say there is no asbestos being used in new buildings being built by the Office of Public Works. I am satisfied that every precaution is taken for the protection and safety of everybody in connection with asbestos.
Question No. 6——
I am dealing only with——
We have taken five questions only in half an hour. The Deputy is dealing extensively with this one.
This is an important question which concerns the health of the staff and everybody else who works in this House. I am not at all satisfied. Let me suggest to the Minister that the level of asbestos pollution found was .09 fibres per cubic metre whereas the level suggested by the IIRS as being safe and satisfactory — and I suggest there is quite a difference between safe and satisfactory — is .05 fibres per cubic metre.
I do not understand the implication of the question. What I am saying is that this——
There is no implication. The Deputy has given the Minister figures.
But the Deputy does not say what they have to do with me. What I have said is that the factory inspector and the inspectors from the IIRS are satisfied with the safety standards of that room and were at the time the person was asked to go back into it.
A Cheann Comhairle——
I am sorry, I am moving on. If the Deputy wants to pursue this further he will have to find another way of doing so. Question No. 6.
Might I put this to you?
No. In the exercise of my discretion I consider I have allowed reasonable questions on this.
Might I ask the Minister with regard to the levels of pollution of asbestos——
Would the Deputy please resume his seat?
Might I ask the Minister one further question?
No, I am not allowing it. I am sorry. In my opinion the Minister has replied fully to the question.
Is it not reasonable that a Minister in dealing with a question like this, which is very precise, should have the levels of asbestos pollution on his files and he has not given those figures? He must know.
The Deputy will have to raise it some other way. Will the Minister please answer Question No. 6?
I must protest. This is an important question affecting the health of the staff of this House and there is still asbestos covering pipes in the College of Art while the Minister ignores the fact and refuses to answer my question.
I am not going to allow a debate on it. I am calling Question No. 6.