Vol. 556 No. 4
86 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Defence if his attention has been drawn to asbestos deposits in Defence Forces property at Gormanstown, County Meath; if protective clothing is provided for Army personnel who are obliged to operate in the vicinity of these deposits; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20456/02]
The Department of Defence has operated an asbestos management programme in military posts through the agency of the Office of Public Works. A programme of works is being carried out at Gormanston, County Meath, to remove any asbestos materials. This programme of works is carried out by specialised contractors approved by the Health and Safety Authority, under the guidance of consultants appointed by the Office of Public Works. The area within which the works are carried out is handed over exclusively to the contractor for the duration of the contract and only the personnel of such contractors are allowed to examine or work with the asbestos material.
