Vol. 400 No. 3
7 Mr. McCartan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the present position regarding the investigation into the possible high level of certain cancers among research workers at Teagasc; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
By agreement between Teagasc and the unions concerned, an independent expert was appointed in June 1989 to investigate the circumstances of the cancer-related deaths of staff in Teagasc. The investigator examined work practices within Teagasc and elsewhere of staff members who died of cancer. He also examined non-work activities, environmental factors and any other circumstances which may be relevant. The investigator submitted a preliminary report recently to the joint management-union committee. This is under consideration and staff will be advised of the outcome as soon as possible.
In addition, UCD are undertaking a study of past and present employees of Teagasc, formerly AFT, including relevant medical histories. This report is expected in October-November this year.
Does the Minister not agree that the delay in bringing in the report on this very important matter and implementing its recommendation is very serious in view of the high number of deaths among researchers employed by Teagasc? Can he indicate whether any precautions are being taken in the meantime to prevent such deaths?
As I said in my opening sentences, an independent expert has been appointed with the agreement of Teagasc and the unions concerned. Obviously the union representatives will know at first hand what the position is in regard to the staff within the organisation.By its very nature, investigative work is slow and tedious and obviously will take a certain amount of time to complete. Professor Burke, who is involved with the International Agency on Cancer Research, is looking into the whole area of the exposure of researchers operating in this area all over Europe. The exchange of information and the compilation of data is being done on an ongoing basis.
I put down a question on this subject some time ago. May I ask the Minister if, arising from the study, the workers have been specifically informed of the risks now involved? Has it been clearly identified what the victims who died were involved in? Has this been established by the inquiry? Does the Minister not accept that the inquiry was much too narrow from a scientific point of view and of little value except for the international aspect he referred to?
The management and unions agreed to appoint the independent expert. They are the people who are au fait with the actual position within the organisation and we should respect their judgment in the matter.
Has it been identified what specific work the research laboratory workers who died were involved in? Is that information contained in the report?
The information contained in the report is confidential to the unions and Teagasc and I do not think it would be appropriate to go into the matter in detail here.
This is a most serious matter——
We must have finality in this matter. I will allow the Deputy a brief question and then I will call Deputy Sherlock for a final question.
Will the Minister consider making that report available to laboratory workers generally? There are about 1,000 people involved in this work and it is most important that they know about the findings in the report. I ask the Minister to ensure that laboratory workers receive this report through other Ministers.
Deputy Sherlock——
Can I get an assurance on that point?
I will certainly consider the Deputy's observations on the matter.
In view of the time factor I referred to earlier, may I ask the Minister if he proposes having meetings to discuss new procedures and safety precautions as an interim measure in this area?
It is reasonable to assume that when the report is submitted by the investigator to the people who are dealing with the matter its recommendations will be implemented within Teagasc.
May I ask the Minister if there has been any curtailment in research work and studies because of the cancer scare which has emerged?
I am not aware of any curtailment in research work generally because of this scare.
There are no researchers.
