asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether his attention was directed to the evidence given to the coroner's jury which investigated the death of Patrick Ivers, who was trapped in a mine shaft at Earlshill, Ballingarry, County Tipperary; whether he is aware that Ivers was trapped in the mine 30 feet below the surface by a heavy fall of earth; that it took several days to pump the water out of the mine, and that the rescue work was impeded by reason of the pit caving in repeatedly; whether, in view of the facts disclosed at the inquest, he proposes holding a sworn inquiry into the condition of the mine and the steps taken to ensure the safety of the miners prior to this tragedy; and whether it is his intention to introduce proposals for better securing the safety of workers engaged in and about coal mines.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Tipperary Mining Fatality.
The Mines Inspector visited the scene of this accident shortly after its occurrence and furnished me with a full report on the circumstances in which the accident happened. I am advised that the present law governing the safety of workers in coal mines is adequate in cases in which coal-mining is conducted under normal conditions; but there is some doubt as to whether coal-mining under the conditions in which it is engaged in by individuals in the Slieveardagh area at present would come within the existing provisions of the law. I do not consider that a sworn inquiry in this case would serve a useful purpose.