asked the Minister for Health if he is aware that drivers of tractors fitted with safety cabs which are not compulsory complain in many cases of vertigo; and, if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Tractor Drivers' Vertigo.
9.
I am not so aware and accordingly I do not propose to make any comment.
Is the Minister aware that compulsory steel safety cabs have been introduced in the United Kingdom and that there has been this condition of vertigo? Is he aware that already they have introduced in the United Kingdom a method of dealing with this condition? I fail to understand why he knows nothing about it.
I asked the Kildare chief medical officer about the position. He said that vertigo may occur in a very small number of cases and that possibly it is due to the noise in the cabs. To prevent deafness among such persons the wearing of ear-muffs is recommended. There was also the problem that if the fumes from the engine entered the cabs there could be carbon monoxide poisoning which might cause dizziness. Perhaps the Deputy could suggest some way in which I could help in this matter but I do not think it arises in my Department.
The Minister's reply to my supplementary question is most satisfactory whereas his reply to my original question was most unsatisfactory. Consequently, I was forced to ask a supplementary question and I am now satisfied.