asked the Minister for Labour if his inspectorate, from the safety aspect, accept the necessity of maintaining unmined areas under the River Blackwater until such time as the river is diverted.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Navan Mine.
9.
The function of my Department's inspectorate under the Mines and Quarries Act in relation to the mine at Navan is to ensure that appropriate provision is made for the protection of workers employed there. The inspectorate has been satisfied that in the working of the mine to date operations have been carried out in conformity with the requirements of the Mines and Quarries Act, 1965, as to the safety of the workers employed. Regular inspections of the mine are carried out by the inspectorate.
I would refer the Deputy to the discussions in the House on 13 February in which it was indicated that mining in the vicinity of the Blackwater has been suspended.