Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 1 May 1997

Vol. 478 No. 6

Written Answers. - Naval Service Employees.

Ned O'Keeffe

Question:

204 Mr. E. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Defence if he will ensure that a civilian employee of his Department, who refused to carry out an order in view of the fact that it would have resulted in the pollution of a river, be retained in his position of employment and that he maintain his current employment status and not be regarded; and if he will make a statement on the matter, particularly in view of the potential pollution which would have resulted in this case. [11705/97]

Minister for Defence (Mr. Barrett)

An investigation is being carried out into a serious operational incident, involving the civilian employee under reference. The incident occurred at the naval base, Haulbowline. The suggestion in the question that pollution would have resulted from the operation is not borne out by the reports available to the Department.

As indicated, this matter is ongoing and has already been the subject of a meeting between officials of my Department, local Naval Service management and representatives of the trade union of the civilian employee. As this matter may be referred by the trade union to a third party for external conciliation, it would be undesirable to comment further on the matter at this stage.