asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether he will state the number of medical certifiers appointed in each county for the purpose of the Workmen's Compensation Act, 1934; the terms of appointment and the total expenditure involved.
Ceisteanna—Questions Oral Answers. - Appointment of Medical Certifiers
Medical referees are appointed under the Workmen's Compensation Act, 1934. The entire Saorstát is divided into 30 districts, and one referee is appointed for each district. Medical referees hold office for five years. Their remuneration is dependent on the number of references made to them and on the section of the Act under which each particular reference is made. The total cost to the State in respect of such remuneration under the Workmen's Compensation Act averaged during the past five years £314 per year. Certifying surgeons hold appointments under the Factory and Workshop Acts and hold appointments as long as service continues satisfactory. Their function under the Workmen's Compensation Act consists in issuing certificates as to certain industrial diseases in respect of which compensation is payable. Their fees for services under the Workmen's Compensation Act are paid to them directly by the employers and employees concerned. The total number of certifying surgeons in the Saorstát is 141, i.e., about five for each county.