asked the Minister for Local Government and Public Health whether he is aware that Thomas Ryan, Toomevara, Nenagh, Co. Tipperary, was awarded a pension, under the Blind Pensions Act, by the Nenagh Pension Committee; that the decision of the Committee was appealed against by the Pensions Officer, and that, although it is now twelve months since the appeal was lodged, no decision has been communicated to the claimant; and whether, in view of the fact that there is a number of similar cases, he will see that appeals are dealt with more expeditiously in future.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. ORAL ANSWERS. - NENAGH BLIND PERSON'S PENSION.
DOMHNALL O MUIRGHEASA
This case was passed by the Nenagh Pension Sub-Committee in February last. An appeal was lodged on the question of blindness, but it has not yet been possible for the Department's Medical Inspector to visit the claimant owing to the number of other cases of this nature which have to be dealt with. I have taken steps to ensure that a decision will be conveyed as soon as possible and the pension, if granted, can be authorised from the date of the receipt of the claim if the facts so warrant.
I am approaching the Minister for Finance on the question of the appointment of an additional temporary Medical Inspector with a view to expediting decisions in outstanding cases.