Vol. 530 No. 4
32 Mr. Broughan asked the Minister for Defence the number of Defence Forces personnel who have served abroad and who have availed of the screening programme to determine if they had been exposed to radiation from weapons containing depleted uranium; the results of such tests; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4004/01]
58 Mr. Broughan asked the Minister for Defence the report of the Defence Forces delegation that visited Kosovo to determine whether Irish personnel serving there have been exposed to radiation from weapons containing depleted uranium; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4003/01]
63 Mr. Bell asked the Minister for Defence if, in view of the concerns expressed that Irish personnel serving in Kosovo may have been exposed to depleted uranium, he will state the procedures being put in place to alert personnel where any such threat may arise; if he has satisfied himself that personnel have adequate protective equipment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4005/01]
78 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Defence if he will update reports on the risks to Irish and other soldiers from depleted uranium in Kosovo; and the initiatives he has taken to ensure that Irish soldiers are not exposed to depleted uranium during exercises, training or operations with either NATO'S Partnership for Peace or the EU's new Rapid Reaction Force. [4040/01]
I replied to a priority question on this topic earlier and I am happy to read the same reply to these questions. However, Deputies may wish to ask further supplementary questions on the topic. I need the agreement of the House to adopt that proposal.
I agree. Recent newspaper reports indicated that there were civilians in the Balkans. Were they attached to the Department of the Defence? Did they need these tests? PDFORRA has called for these weapons to be banned. Has anything been done on this by either the Department of Defence or the Department of Foreign Affairs?
As far as I am aware, within the sphere of my responsibility, there were no civilians but I will have the matter checked. Anything that needs to be done in that area must be done effectively and include anybody who might have been involved. We do not have any stocks of depleted uranium. The Petersberg Task is concerned with peacekeeping and humanitarian tasks and that is where our activities will be. The Minister for Foreign Affairs will deal with the other issues as they arise.
Is the Minister aware of any Defence Forces personnel who served under APSO in a civilian capacity and may have been affected by depleted uranium? Will he examine the matter and see if they have been offered screening and assistance?
As I indicated to Deputy Wall, I will have the matter checked.
