Martin refuses lost samples inquiry

HEALTH Minister Micheál Martin is refusing to launch an inquiry into how vital pathology samples belonging to a west Limerick family were mislaid by Mid Western Health Board (MWHB).

The samples could have uncovered the reasons for hundreds of animal deaths and a spate of human health problems in Askeaton, County Limerick.

A local audit shows that cancer rates among people in parts of Askeaton are three times higher than the national average.

Some 18 hair, urine, and blood samples were handed into the MWHB by the Geoghegan family between 1997 and 1998.

They should have been tested for traces of industrial pollution.

“The Mid Western Health has investigated this matter and we are satisfied with that,” a spokesperson for the minister said.

The minister has, however, offered to have the family’s health tested independently by medical experts, and the Department of Health rejected claims that there is a cancer cluster in Askeaton.

The family expressed disappointment last night at the minister’s refusal to establish a new probe.

“We are devastated and want to meet him immediately. Everyone knows there is enough evidence to launch an investigation,” Pat Geoghegan said.

Mr Martin is being pressed by the opposition parties to launch an inquiry after it emerged last week the samples should have been included in the final €5.32 million EPA Askeaton report. Some doctors within the MWHB were informed the samples were tested, but no results were ever published.

Last year, the board apologised to the family and insisted there was no conspiracy behind the disappearance of the samples following an internal inquiry.

The Green Party, Fine Gael and Labour have called for a public inquiry to examine how the pathology samples were mislaid.

Fine Gael health spokesperson Olivia Mitchell said that a new type of statutory inquiry, rather than a tribunal, should investigate the disappearance of the samples.

“We think there is new legislation on the way that would allow an inquiry with statutory powers to be set up, without establishing a full tribunal,” Ms Mitchell said.