Vol. 547 No. 1
420 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for Finance if asbestos has ever been discovered at a location (details supplied) in Dublin 2; if so, when the discovery took place; the action which was taken to remove such material, the action which was taken to notify staff; if it is considered that such incidences were a danger to staff; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1857/02]
In June 1998 a preliminary survey of the boiler room in Hawkins House revealed small quantities of asbestos based thermal insulation and, following a tender competition, the material was removed in February 1999.
In February 1999, during the course of refurbishment works in the main foyer, further quantities of the material were discovered on pipework embedded in the concrete floor. This has been left in situ and completely sealed within the floor area where it poses no threat. A detailed survey of the building carried out in July 1999 uncovered isolated pockets of asbestos based materials in various forms such as ceiling tiles, duct lining and fire doors. These will be removed as necessary during future refurbishment work. At present, left untouched, they pose no health risk.
At all times during the course of asbestos removal works the occupiers of the building were kept advised of developments. Air tests were carried out before, during and after works to provide assurances that there were no airborne fibres present and that, consequently, there was no danger to staff.
