Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 25 Sep 1996

Vol. 469 No. 1

Written Answers. - Survey of Louth Defective Births.

Noel Dempsey

Question:

277 Mr. Dempsey asked the Minister for Health his response to requests for funding for a survey of the possible links between Sellafield and defective births in County Louth; if an offer of £15,000 was made; the nature and extent of the type of survey the Minister anticipates might be carried out with these funds; the position in regard to this survey work by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16944/96]

Minister for Health (Mr. Noonan,

Limerick East): I am not aware of any such offer. Funding for health research projects is generally allocated by the Health Research Board. The board assesses applications on the basis of objective scientific criteria, and my Department has no role in the assessment process or in any dealings between the board and applicants. The board has informed me, however, that it has not made any such offer.