John McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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Question 209: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the progress arising from a meeting held on the 5 May 2010 between officials from his Department and retired coal miners; if his Department will be appointed to progress their claim to determine if there will be a Government response; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19751/10]

Conor Lenihan (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)
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I have, on a number of previous occasions, explained that I have no statutory function in relation to provision of compensation to people who consider their health has suffered as a consequence of working in mines. Any question of compensation 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. The functions of the mines inspectorate, which relate to working conditions of miners, are carried out by the Health and Safety Authority. Responsibility for this area was identified under the Mines and Quarries Act 1965 as residing with the Minister for Industry and Commerce, which has now devolved to the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation.

A number of Ministers agreed to a request on behalf of the former coal miners that officials from their Departments would meet with their representatives on 5 May to hear their concerns again. Following on from that meeting, the officials concerned are reporting back to their respective Ministers for consideration of the matters raised.