asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is aware that as a result of recent quarry-blasting operations at Watergrasshill, Co. Cork, a workman named John Punch was fatally injured in the course of his employment; if he is aware that a notification of the accident was immediately furnished to the responsible inspector, and, if so, whether the inspector was present or represented at the subsequent inquest; if the inspector tendered evidence or examined witnesses touching on the conditions of employment in the quarry concerned, and the precautions observed to prevent accidents. and if he can say what further measures he proposes to adopt to ensure that undertakings engaged in dangerous processes are more frequently inspected.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. ORAL ANSWERS. - WORKMAN'S FATAL INJURIES (CORK).
TOMAS MacEOIN
No notification of the accident referred to was made to this Department. and in consequence it was not possible to arrange for the presence of an inspector at the inquest. Inquiries are at present being pursued into the failure to notify the accident.
With the recent appointment of an Inspector of Mines and Quarries, it will be possible to arrange for more frequent inspections than has hitherto been practicable.
Is it the practice of the Department to have representation at inquests in the matter of fatal accidents? When fatal accidents occur, is it the practice to attend inquests?
Notification should be made, either by the Coroner who holds the inquest or by the owner or occupier of the grounds in which the accident has taken place. Notification was not received in this case, but there are reasons why it was delayed. It is into that point that the inquiries are being made. Ordinarily there would be no attendance without notification.