Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
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Question 596: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if his attention has been drawn to the plight of a number of former miners in the Slieveardagh coalfields in north Tipperary who have suffered significant damage to their health arising from their employment; his views on the establishment of a compensation scheme for such miners similar to that operating in the UK; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14605/07]

Tony Killeen (Clare, Fianna Fail)
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Occupational safety and health legislation under the aegis of this Department relating to the protection of workers in mines, and other places of work, and which is administered and enforced by the Health and Safety Authority, is focussed solely on the prevention of occupational accidents and ill-health. There is no provision in health and safety legislation relating to compensation for persons affected by occupational injuries or diseases.

Under the Occupational Injuries Benefits Scheme operated by the Department of Social and Family Affairs benefits may be payable in respect of insured workers affected by occupational accidents and certain prescribed occupational diseases, including pneumoconiosis.