asked the Minister for Local Government and Public Health if he will state why Patrick Naughton of Treenlaur, Tourmakeady, County Mayo, who has been totally incapacitated from work by illness since 27th September, 1935, has received no benefit under the National Health Insurance Acts, even though an award in his favour was made by an arbitrator under the said Acts as far back as the 4th day of February last.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Mayo Worker's Benefit.
I am informed by the Unified Society that Patrick Naughton claimed benefit in respect of an incapacity which appeared to be the result of an accident and his claim was accordingly refused by the Society on the grounds that compensation should be paid under the Workmen's Compensation Act. At the request of the member the dispute was summitted to arbitration on the 4th February, 1936, and on the 17th February the arbitrator issued his award in favour of the member.
The Society had under consideration the question of appealing from the award in accordance with their rights under Section 67 of the National Insurance Act, 1911, and the member was so informed on the 10th March, but it was subsequently decided to accept the arbitrator's award. Notification of this decision was given to the member on the 19th instant and a cheque in respect of the benefit has been issued.
I am very glad to hear that this course has been adopted, but does not the Minister think it is very unfair to keep a man from 27th September until the middle of March without any payment?
It is a long time, but——
And in the face also of his doctor's reports that he was suffering from a rheumatic complaint?
The Deputy knows what doctors can certify from time to time. They are nearly as generous as lawyers.