asked the Minister for Labour the total number of deaths as a result of accidents in the mine at Navan, County Meath.
6.
Questions—Ceisteanna. Oral Answers. - Navan Mines.
5.
asked the Minister for Labour the total number of deaths at Tara Mines, County Meath, since the commencement of operations there.
7.
asked the Minister for Labour if he will order an inquiry into the safety standards for workers in the mine at Navan, County Meath.
8.
asked the Minister for Labour whether he is empowered to inquire into the accidental deaths of miners in the Tara Mines, County Meath; and, if so, if he will take immediate steps to initiate such a public inquiry.
9.
asked the Minister for Labour if, in view of the deaths by accident in Tara Mines, County Meath, he will hold an inquiry into the safety standards at all mines.
10.
asked the Minister for Labour if safety mining regulations at Tara Mines, County Meath, must be submitted to him for approval.
I propose, with the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, to take Questions Nos. 5 to 10, inclusive, together.
There were seven fatal accidents since the mine opened in 1973, two of which happened on the surface. Three occurred in 1976, two in 1977, and two in 1978.
The mine is inspected regularly by the mining inspectorate of the Department of Labour. All the accidents referred to were fully investigated and reported on by the inspectorate. In the light of the reports of the inspectorate I would not see grounds for ordering any further inquiry in relation to this mine or to mines generally. Regular inspection of the mine will, of course, continue and should the reports call for any special action it will be taken. However, I have ample power under the Mines and Quarries Act, 1965, to order any investigation or special inquiries which may be required into accidents or dangerous occurrences in mining.
Regarding the Deputy's reference to "safety mining regulations", I should explain that, in exercise of the powers of the Minister for Labour under the Mines and Quarries Act, 1965 numerous safety regulations have been made in relation to the mines at Navan and for mines generally. However, the Deputy may have in mind the "Safety Manual" which the mining company provide for each employee. Such manuals are not required to be submitted to me for formal approval but this manual was reviewed by my Department's mining inspectorate before it was issued to workers by the mining company.
I am sure the Minister will agree that we would all be very worried at this kind of death rate in any other big undertaking and would take some kind of action to improve the situation. Is it a fact that the union members of the safety committee resigned because they were not satisfied with the safety precautions taken and does the Minister suggest—he says there is no reason why further serious accidents should occur —that this kind of accident rate is what we may expect in future from the development of the Tara Mines? Is this an acceptable level of death rate among the miners who are, I understand, deeply distressed and very worried about what has happened?
The reply to the first part of the Deputy's question is I am not so aware. With regard to the second part of the Deputy's question, I would certainly at all times express concern at any accident, particularly any fatal accident, but the Deputy will understand that such accidents may be due to causes or circumstances which may not necessarily mean a breach of safety regulations by the employer. To deal with these cases in detail would require me to comment on the cause of individual accidents in which the identity of the worker and the employer could be readily adduced. As the question of prosecution under the Mines and Quarries Act is not the only legal issue which may arise in relation to these accidents it would not be proper for me to comment here on these individual cases.
Is the Minister satisfied that the workers and their representatives are satisfied with the safety precautions that exist? The Minister says they have not been breached. It might be possible that they were not breached because they were not sufficiently comprehensive and, even if they were not breached, that did not prevent several people getting killed so, therefore, they are not comprehensive enough.
Since the mine opened in January 1973 I would point out to the Deputy that 74 inspections have been carried out by the mining inspectors of the Department.
Would the Minister not agree that seven deaths in any one place in such a short period is a very alarming situation and, in view of the high death rate, would he not agree that a review of the regulations and prohibitions governing safety is now urgently required in Navan? Does he propose to take any action in regard to such a review?
I have given the number of inspections carried out and I have said the carrying out of inspections by the inspectorate will be on a continuing basis and, should the necessity arise at any time as a result of their inspection, I would be only too willing to review any necessary improvements that may be suggested.
What more evidence does the Minister need than the deaths of seven unfortunate miners——
We are getting into argument now.
——within the existing precautions? Surely the existing precautions are transparently inadequate.
Can the Minister tell the House whether his inspectorate accept the recommendations of Dr. White of the Royal School of Miners that no mining should take place in the area under the Blackwater river—that was one of his recommendations—until such time as the river is diverted? Does the Minister know if his inspectorate accept that recommendation and whether they propose to act on it?
That is a separate question.
It relates to safety and safety is the kernel of the whole matter.
The Minister would require certain notice.
We are not analysing the reasons for the deaths. We are talking about recommendations from a recognised safety expert and I am asking the Minister if he accepts these recommendations.
It is a separate question.
It refers specifically to a different matter—the question of a river.
We are talking about the safety of people working in these mines.
I know the Minister shares in the sense of shock occasioned by the death rate figures in Navan and would he not now take the opportunity of introducing more stringent regulations in regard to safety? I do not think the House would tolerate a situation in which such a death rate would continue.
As the Deputy will be aware, the legislation presently before the House refers to the updating of the 1955 Factories Act. The mines and quarries regulations 1955 are different. As I said earlier, if as a result of further investigations a review is needed or if Members wish to make any suggestions or proposals to me that should be reviewed I will be prepared to accept them.
Does the Minister accept the recommendation of the safety expert, Dr. White?
That is a separate question.
Is the Minister aware of that report? It calls for certain measures to be undertaken.
Let me say this is all very surprising considering that quite a number of the accidents took place when the Deputy was Minister.
Is the Minister aware of the report and does he accept its recommendations?