Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 547: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will arrange a new form of assessment for miners from the Sliabh-Arda coalfields and the Arigna coalfields in respect of their claims of the work related disease pneumoconiosis; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that miners in these locations have suffered other diseases, including bronchitis, asthma, white finger syndrome, arthritis and heart disease, which were caused in part by working conditions over the years; if his attention has been further drawn to the small number of miners suffering from this type of ailment and of their concern at being treated unfairly by the Irish State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18184/08]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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The question of assistance to former miners or any other type of employees who suffer health problems as a consequence of working conditions in the past is, primarily a matter between them and their employers, and, in so far as the State is concerned, of disability or occupational injuries benefit entitlement under the social welfare code. Accordingly the question of a new form of assessment for such miners is a matter for my colleague, the Minister for Social and Family Affairs.