asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether he will cause strict inquiry to be made as to whether adequate precautions are taken for the safety of workers in slate quarries.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Safety of Slate Quarry Workers.
These quarries are subject to frequent inspection by the Inspector of Mines and Quarries for the enforcement of the statutory provisions for securing the safety of the workers.
Arising out of the Minister's reply, I want to ask has he received any report from his inspectors in connection with the Glentown Quarry Inquiry where there was one heavy fall of earth last year and another this year in which the life of at least one man was lost, and is he satisfied that proper precautions were taken in that quarry and in other quarries in the country to ensure that adequate protection is given to the quarry men?
I think it would be undesirable to make any reference to the Glentown quarry in view of the fact that an inquest is being held in connection with that fatality.
Is it the Minister's intention to have inquiries made in that and in other quarries throughout the country for the enforcement of the statutory provisions for securing the safety of the workers in these quarries?
I refer the Deputy to the reply I have given him.