Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 12 Nov 2002

Vol. 557 No. 1

Written Answers. - Asbestos Claims.

Kathleen Lynch

Ceist:

87 Ms Lynch asked the Minister for Finance the number of cases for damages taken against the State arising from possible exposure to asbestos within the Leinster House complex; the number of cases settled; the amounts paid in compensation; if serving or former members of the staff have contracted asbestosis; if an attempt has been made to alert staff or current or former Members of the Oireachtas who may have been exposed to asbestos; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21284/02]

Minister of State at the Department of Finance (Mr. Parlon)

A total of 67 claims for damages have been made against the State for alleged exposure to asbestos within the Leinster House complex. So far 11 have been the subjects of settlements or court awards. The total compensation paid, including legal costs, amounts to €1,020,000. A number of the claims involved were the subject of a recent Supreme Court appeal, the outcome of which is awaited.

I am not aware of any staff members having contracted asbestosis. Every effort has been made to apprise staff of the risks associated with exposure to asbestos and to remove those risks through the effective management of the material, including total removal. The subject has been well documented over the years in the Oireachtas reports.