asked the Minister for Local Government and Public Health if he will state the reasons for not granting a blind pension to Miss Higgins, Parkbawn, Gorey, Co. Wexford; whether he is aware that the applicant furnished three medical certificates certifying that she was incapable of any work for which eyesight was essential; that one of the certificates was from Dr. Connolly, Fitzwilliam Street, Dublin, an eminent eye specialist; whether these certificates should not fulfil the statutory requirements, and whether, under the circumstances, and in view of the fact that the local Pension Committee granted the pension, and that this woman, who is sixty-eight years of age, is destitute, her home help having been withdrawn, he will consider a new application from her.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. ORAL ANSWERS. - WEXFORD BLIND PENSION CLAIM.
A detailed examination of the claimant's eyesight was made on the 1st of November last by the Department's medical inspector. On consideration of the medical evidence, including the inspector's report, which expressed an opinion that she had useful vision in her right eye, it was held that the claimant did not fulfil the statutory condition of blindness, and was not eligible for a pension under the Blind Persons Act.
Some additional medical evidence was afterwards furnished and was submitted to the medical inspector, who advised that there was nothing therein to show that the condition of vision of the claimant had so deteriorated since November last as to bring her within the Statute. He mentioned that she suffers from general debility.
It is extremely doubtful whether it would serve any useful purpose to make a new claim now for the blind pension. The applicant may do so if she wishes, and should the case subsequently come up on a fresh appeal a reexamination of the eyesight would be made by the medical inspector.
Meanwhile the claimant might renew her application to the local home assistance officer for an allowance pending the grant to her either of the Blind Pension or Old Age Pension.
Does the Minister hold that the conclusion of his own medical expert, which was adverse to that of three other doctors, should hold the field, one of these doctors being a very eminent eye expert, Dr. Connolly of Fitzwilliam Street. Is he aware that this doctor held that the woman could do no work for which eyesight was essential, and that that view was confirmed by the two other medical men, and in face of these facts does the Minister hold that his medical expert shall be supreme in the case?
In matters of this kind I must be advised by my experts. I refer the Deputy again to the first part of my answer to his question, in which I state "on consideration of the medical evidence, including the inspector's report, which expressed an opinion that she had useful vision in her right eye, it was held that the claimant did not fulfil the statutory condition of blindness." The case has now been determined on appeal. I have no further function in the matter of this case unless it again comes before me, and it is for the claimant to decide whether she considers her case is sufficiently strong to justify another application.
Mr. DOYLE
What further can she do? Her application, which was supported by three eminent specialists, has been disallowed.
Her condition may have deteriorated in the meantime. That would be the only circumstance that would justify me in granting the pension.
Mr. DOYLE
In case there is a new application put in will the Minister give it consideration?
Certainly.
Would raising the question in this Dáil have caused deterioration?