asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether he is aware that four of the employees working for the salvage contractors on board the SS. Celtic, Cork Harbour, lost their lives by gas poisoning while at their work on 28th November, 1929, and a number of others are seriously ill from the effect of poisoning by gases escaping from tanks in the hold of the vessel; whether any examination of this vessel for poisonous gases or other potential sources of danger to the workmen employed has been made by his Department since work of salvage commenced some six months ago; whether he will now cause a thorough examination of the vessel to be made before work is re-started, and hold an investigation into the cause of the terrible tragedy.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral—Answers. - Fatal Accidents on the SS. Celtic.
I am aware of the facts stated in the first part of the question. I have no statutory power or duty to examine into the condition of a wrecked vessel on which salvage operations are being carried out, but I understand that the Gárda Síochána is dealing with the question of the conditions under which work could be re-started.
Then the Minister or his Department has no power over the work on this vessel and has no power to intervene?
The Minister says: "I have no statutory power or duty to examine into the condition of a wrecked vessel on which salvage operations are being carried out."
He ought to get power.
Is the Minister aware that the men working on the Celtic for the past few months have been working under conditions of very great hardship, involving serious risks, and have been paid wages below those paid by local employers? Will he investigate the conditions with a view to having an improvement effected? After all, this wreck, I submit, is within the territory of the Saorstát, and if the conditions there are abnormal that is a matter which the Minister should investigate.