Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 160: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if she 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 pneumonoconiosis; if her 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 her 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 she will make a statement on the matter. [18183/08]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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The prevention of occupational injuries at work would fall under the remit of the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment. However, I understand, in relation to pneumonoconiosis, that under the Occupational Injuries Scheme operated by the Department of Social and Family Affairs benefits may be payable in respect of workers affected.