asked the Minister for Social Welfare if his attention has been drawn to a report that a roadman was killed by lightning while at work on 6th June, 1963; and that accidents of this nature are within the scope of the Industrial Injuries Acts in Great Britain (National Insurance Act, 1961), but are not covered by the Workmen's Compensation Acts in this country (Kelly v Kerry County Council, 1908 42 Lr. L.T. 23; 194 C.A. (Ir.)); and if he will arrange to have the law amended in this respect with all possible speed.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Amendment of Workmen's Compensation Acts.
27.
I have seen the report referred to by the Deputy. While accidents of this nature are not specifically mentioned in our Workmen's Compensation Acts, compensation would be payable if they were shown to have arisen out of and in the course of employment. Although it was decided in the case quoted by the Deputy that compensation was not payable, it was held in another case where a bricklayer was killed by lightning that compensation was payable. This point will be considered in connection with amending legislation.