Liz McManus (Wicklow, Labour)

We understand that there is no statutory responsibility in this regard. That is our concern. We are talking about a small number of people, as Deputy Coveney said, primarily because many of them died prematurely, having suffered grave ill health. The number of people in this category who are still alive is not large. It is generally recognised that those to whom I refer have suffered unduly as a result of the work they did in years gone by. I understand that legislation pertaining to natural resources is due to come before the House. Will the Minister of State consider the plight of these people in that context? Will he ascertain whether it is possible to provide for them in the forthcoming Bill?

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