Opposition joins push for probe into tests

OPPOSITION parties last night called on Minister for Health Micheál Martin to launch an inquiry into how pathology samples that could have explained mysterious health problems in Co Limerick went missing.

Some 18 blood, hair and urine samples handed over to the Mid Western Health Board, between 1997 and 1998, by the Geoghegan family from Askeaton, were mislaid.

Documents released under Freedom of Information showed doctors within the health board tested the samples. However, they were not included in a 5.32 million, EPA-led environmental investigation in the area.

Residents claim cancer rates in Askeaton are three times higher than the national average, with many suffering from unexplained skin, respiratory and muscle ailments.

Pat and Nuala Geoghegan met members of the Opposition in the Dáil yesterday to seek support for a new inquiry to investigate how the samples went missing.

The Labour Party, Fine Gael, and the Green Party have backed the family’s call for a new probe.

Labour’s environment spokesperson Eamonn Gilmore said: “Of course, there are grounds for a full investigation. I think Micheál Martin should immediately issue a statement outlining what progress he’s made since ordering a review into the missing samples a year ago.”

Fine Gael’s Olivia Mitchell said she believed a statutory inquiry was necessary.

“Parts of this story are very disquieting. I want to know why the minister hasn’t completed the review he ordered last year. Surely there’s enough evidence to launch an inquiry with full powers of investigation,” the party’s spokesperson on health said.

After a meeting with the Geoghegans, Sinn Fein’s Arthur Morgan said he was seeking answers from several ministers on the issue.

“The detail of this has only been fully exposed now. I will be trying to get answers for the Geoghegan family in the weeks and months ahead,” Mr Morgan said.

Pat Geoghegan said he wanted an urgent meeting with Minister Martin in light of this week’s revelations.

“We know that doctors were told the samples had been tested, where did the results go? It’s time to get the full truth, an apology will not do anymore,” Mr Geoghegan said.