Michael Joe Cosgrave
Ceist:41 Mr. Cosgrave asked the Minister for Defence the recent findings, if any, of asbestos in Naval Service ships; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26268/99]
Written Answers. - Naval Service Vessels.
Following the attendance of a Naval Service Officer at a recent national asbestos seminar organised by the Health and Safety Authority, it was decided to carry out a survey of the older vessels of the naval service fleet. A firm of environmental consultants was appointed last October and LE Deirdre was the first ship to be surveyed. The results of the survey showed that chrysotile, white asbestos, was detected in the machinery spaces on certain items, that is, engine exhausts and manifold lagging.
Due to the high degree of commonality of equipment among the four ships of the offshore patrol vessel, (OPV) class, it was suspected that similar results would be likely in the other three ships. Subsequent surveys of these ships – LE Emer, LE Aoife and LE Aisling– confirmed this to be the case.
The situation at present is that the firm of environmental consultants has been requested to prepare, as a matter of urgency, tender specifi cations for the removal of asbestos from these ships. Such specifications are expected to be available shortly and reputable contractors will be appointed at the first opportunity.
I assure the Deputy that this matter is being taken extremely seriously by my Department and everything will be done, in line with health and safety requirements, to resolve the issue and return the naval ships to their duties as soon as possible.