Frank Feighan (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I wish to establish how many Arigna miners who suffered work-related illness have received compensation to date and how many of those who have applied have yet to receive compensation. In 2010 the National Coal Miners Group secured agreement that the Department of Health would extend disablement benefit to former miners suffering from the prescribed occupational disease pneumoconiosis, commonly known as black lung disease. Since this review was established in 2010, when I strongly lobbied on behalf of the coal miners, hundreds of miners have applied for disability arrears under this scheme. This does not just apply to Arigna but also to those who worked in the Castlecomer, Ballingarry and Rossmore mines. The Arigna mine is adjacent to the three areas of north Roscommon, Leitrim and south Sligo.

I pay tribute to the former Minister, Deputy Eamon Ó Cuív, for his work with the cross-party committee. He was very helpful in ensuring these miners were included and we have worked very hard together. Many of these men were formerly Arigna miners and, unfortunately, they have suffered severe health-related illnesses due to working long hours in the mines. As one can imagine, they had to work in very difficult conditions underground, with resulting health consequences. Legislation, such as that in place in the UK, was not in place here to protect these miners.

I understand that, to date, over €1 million in State disablement benefit arrears has been paid out to former miners nationwide, almost half of which has been paid to Arigna miners. The Minister might confirm these figures and also outline to the House how many applicants are still awaiting moneys and how many applications have still to be processed, if any. I hope no applicant is currently facing avoidable delays. At one stage, the official average waiting time between submission of application and receipt of arrears was six months, and longer in many cases. At this stage, sufficient staffing resources should be in place in the disablement benefit section of the Department to ensure any outstanding claims are expedited.

Recognition of the plight of the miners would not have come except for the sterling work of many people, including former Roscommon county councillor, Charlie Hopkins, who became a very strong advocate of the National Coal Miners Group. I want to pay tribute to Mr. Hopkins, the National Coal Miners Group and all who have campaigned on the miners' behalf. Living only a short distance from Arigna in the vicinity of north Roscommon, south Sligo and Leitrim, I know many of the men who worked hard in the mines all their lives to provide for their families. I want to recognise their vital contribution to the local economy for many years.

I hope all those who still meet the criteria under the scheme will receive payment as soon as possible.