As the House will be aware, as a result of recent public concern regarding possible environmental and health risks relating to the use of depleted uranium weapons in the Balkans, the Defence Forces have put in place a medical screening programme for all Irish troops who have served or are serving in the Balkan region as well as personnel who served as military observers in Kuwait following the Gulf War. All personnel, including those who have retired, are being called to the various brigade centres to undergo the screening. This process is ongoing.
The screening programme commenced in January 2001. This medical screening programme has been put in place to provide reassurance for personnel and their families and includes blood and urine tests with a clinical examination.
Taking all the relevant missions into account the total number to be screened is 952, including two officials of my Department who served in the Balkan region. To date a total of 325 – 322 serving and three former – Defence Forces personnel have received screening. No unusual medical problems have been detected.
