Dying coal miners appeal for state compensation

COAL MINERS with chronic occupational diseases, who are dying in alarming numbers, have made an appeal for compensation for the state’s failure to protect them.

A deputation of former miners yesterday appeared before an Oireachtas committee for the second time in 20 months.

In the intervening period 50 of their group have died; the most recent was buried on Tuesday. This was from about 400 who are seeking redress from the state for failing to properly inspect the last of the country’s coal mines.