Frank Feighan (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 154: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if, in relation to health problems highlighted by national miners covering health problems arising from industry working conditions in mines in Arigna and Kilkenny and Tipperary colliers, he will establish a redress board to handle their concerns. [44617/08]

Seán Power (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I have no statutory authority to establish a redress board to provide for compensation to people suffering health problems as a consequence of working in mines and have no resources from which to fund such a scheme. 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. That is a matter for the Minister for Social and Family Affairs.