Frank Feighan (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I appreciate the response. I am concerned that the small number of cases awaiting assessment by the medical assessor would be dealt with as quickly as possible and that the Department has enough staff to deal with the applications. These were hardy men who worked in very difficult times and who provided for their communities through the 1950s, 1960s, 1970s and 1980s. This work-related black lung disease has overwhelmed their health. To see men coming to meetings with respiratory diseases is horrific. I believe they are thankful for the work that has been done so far and they are hopeful that this work will continue.