Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 24 Apr 2002

Vol. 552 No. 4

Written Answers. - Safety of Buildings.

Pat Rabbitte

Question:

88 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for Finance if, in relation to a premises (details supplied) in Dublin 2, prior to the removal of asbestos, a report was commissioned and produced identifying the potential health hazards and risks; if so, the reason the occupants of the building were not advised of these health hazards and risks; the reason the area was not sealed off; the steps which were taken to eliminate these risks prior to the commencement of the work; the results of the dust meter readings taken by an engineer from the Office of Public Works; his Department's plans to conduct health check screenings for all the employees and occupants of the building who were present during the removal period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12742/02]

Minister for Finance (Mr. McCreevy)

The occupants of Hawkins House did not access the area of the basement where the asbestos was located and the presence of the asbestos posed no risk to their health.

Once the asbestos had been identified detailed specifications were drafted to ensure that the removal works complied with all of the Department of the Environment and Local Government, the local authority and the Health and Safety Authority regulations. Prior to the work beginning the successful contractor forwarded to the Health and Safety Authority a method statement setting out how the asbestos would be safely removed and issued a notifications of commencement of asbestos works to the Health and Safety Authority. The system of work set out in the method statement ensured that the occupants of the building were not exposed to any risk during the removal works. A door to the basement if left open would not have compromised the integrity of the safe system of works that was in place at the time.

At all times during the course of the building works the occupiers of the building were kept advised of developments. The results of the air sampling tests in the basement and foyer, which were conducted by a firm of consultants on behalf of the Office of Public Works, showed that each area was safe for normal occupation. As a safe system of work was followed at all times it is not considered necessary at this time to put in place plans to conduct health screening tests for all employees or occupants of the building.