Noel Coonan (Tipperary North, Fine Gael)

I thank the Minister of State for his reply and I look forward to working on the matter with him. From a political viewpoint there is nothing to be gained from it for any of us, but it is important to look after the well-being and welfare of miners and their families. These were State mines. They were leased by the State to people who ran them for the State. In effect therefore it is not true to say that the State can wipe its hands of the matter. These people must be looked after.

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