Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 31 Jan 2001

Vol. 529 No. 2

Written Answers. - APSO Personnel.

David Stanton

Question:

96 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of Irish civilian personnel who worked under the auspices of APSO in the Balkans in the aftermath of the wars there; if arrangements are being made or have been made for medical screening for these personnel in order to test for medical conditions that may occur as a result of possible exposure to depleted uranium; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2604/01]

Minister for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Cowen)

Since 1 January 1999, APSO has recruited 40 personnel as follows to assist in the supervision of elections in various Balkan regions:

Croatia10 people

Kosovo10 people

Montenegro4 people

Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia3 people

Bosnia5 people

Former Republic of Yugoslavia/Serbia8 people

APSO personnel worked under the auspices of the European Union, the United Nations or the OSCE, which organisations are responsible for their deployment. In most cases, the duration of assignments did not exceed two weeks. Three assignees, however, worked for six months in Kosovo.

Although APSO is not the direct employer of those it recruits on behalf of other organisations, it makes every effort to ensure organisations with which it places personnel operate to the highest standards of health and safety. Reports and medical evidence concerning possible health risks are being studied by expert working groups of the World Health Organisation, WHO, and the United Nations Environment Programme, UNEP. Any medical information which is forthcoming will be immediately provided for those working in the affected areas, as well as those who have served there in the past.