Noel Coonan (Tipperary North, Fine Gael)

The Minister of State's reply is most disappointing. What he said is total rubbish. He cannot, on behalf of the State, wash his hands of this issue. The Mines and Quarries Act 1965 not only gave the State responsibility for licensing mines, but also conferred on it the power to police them and ensure that they operated to satisfactory standards. Work was carried out in certain mines that was dangerous to human health. As a consequence of inadequate ventilation and exposure to dust, the surviving miners — of whom only 200 remain — suffered and are dying at a rate of three to four per month. What has happened to them and their families is a shame.

The State has a responsibility in respect of this matter because it was responsible for licensing mines and for inspecting and policing them in order to ensure that they operated properly. It failed miserably in its duty. The Minister of State cannot say that he does not have a responsibility for the mines. He has such a responsibility and I want to know how he is going to meet that responsibility on behalf of the State.

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