Taoiseach 'supportive' of review of healthcare needs of Air Corp personnel exposed to 'dangerous chemicals'

Dáil heard more than 110 former and serving personnel have died, a large proportion of whom died of particular diseases at what appear to be higher than national average rates. File picture

The Taoiseach is to look at proposals to review the healthcare needs of sick former Air Corps personnel.

The review, initiated by then defence minister Simon Harris after it was suggested by Sinn Féin Cork South Central TD Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire, was set up earlier this year to see how an assessment of needs could work.

Micheál Martin said he was supportive of the initiative when he was asked by the Irish Examiner, saying: “I will have a look at what they are proposing.” 

Concerns were raised by Air Corps whistleblower Gavin Tobin more than 10 years ago regarding the issue.

Mr Martin is the third senior Government figure to show interest in a review of former Air Corps personnel’s health needs.

On Tuesday, defence minister Helen McEntee — who succeeded Mr Harris in November — told the Dáil senior officials in her department recently met Mr Ó Laoghaire to discuss the review.

Off the back of what she said was a “constructive” meeting, she told TDs she hoped to have a detailed report on proposals for a review of health needs by next March.

This was, Mr Ó Laoghaire told the Dáil, prompted by concerns raised about “severe health outcomes, including untimely deaths, because of exposure to dangerous chemicals” among former Air Corps maintenance crews and other technicians.

To date, as the Dáil has heard, more than 110 former and serving personnel have died, a large proportion of whom died of particular diseases at what appear to be higher than national average rates.

Mr Ó Laoghaire said: “This issue has been ongoing for a long time.

“While there are various cases before the courts, this should not preclude the State from at least looking at the health needs of affected former Air Corps personnel.

“People are entitled to take legal cases, but not everybody is in a position to and there are issues that need to be looked at for the group as a whole.

“I think this should be a cross-party issue, and I hope various officials associated with this can at least look at what can be done.

“I am hopeful that the officials Mr Harris put me in touch with share this goal but time will tell.” 

Mr Tobin said he was "heartened" by the Taoiseach's response.

“I look forward to seeing what comes of this. While other survivors and I, with serious health issues due to our exposure to chemicals, have fought for a resolution for years, we remain optimistic that the right thing can be done for those affected.

“I hope this helps translate into much-needed help.”