Seán Power (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)

I appreciate the concern expressed by Deputies McManus and Coveney for miners whose health deteriorated as a result of the work they had to do. The health and safety issues they raised are covered by the Mines and Quarries Act 1965. Under that legislation, this is purely a matter for the Health and Safety Authority, which is under the aegis of the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment. I have no statutory authority to establish a tribunal to provide compensation to those people. I sympathise with the position in which they find themselves, but unfortunately I am not——

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