Vol. 438 No. 5
190 Mr. Lawlor asked the Minister for Health the steps, if any, that are being taken to further investigate the cluster of cancer deaths (details supplied) in County Wicklow with a view to determining if there is a connection between these deaths and radiation or fallout from Sellafield or Chernobyl; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The Deputy will be aware of the extreme difficulties involved in demonstrating a definitive casual link between unusual clusters of illness and particular sources of environmental contamination. I am determined, however, that unusual clusters of illnesses or disease particularly those involving birth defects, serious illness or death should be thoroughly investigated by our public health doctors. I am advised that an investigation is being undertaken by the Board in the area of County Wicklow referred to in the newspaper article submitted by the Deputy. When the health board has completed its report I will give it careful consideration.
