Tony Killeen (Clare, Fianna Fail)

I have no plans to introduce a specific scheme to provide for compensation to people suffering health problems as a consequence of working in underground mines. While mining requires a State mining facility lease or licence under the Minerals Development Acts 1940 to 1999, it is undertaken in this country by private enterprise. Accordingly any issue of compensation would be a matter between the relevant employees and their employers.

Former miners who suffer health problems as a consequence of working in underground mines may be entitled to disability or occupational injuries benefits under the social welfare code. It is now a standard condition of any mining lease or licence that the holder take out and maintain both employers' and public liability insurance for the duration of the term of the lease or licence. Employers are also required to comply with the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005.

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