asked the Minister for Local Government and Public Health whether he is in a position to state if any additional benefits in cash or in kind are being provided for the members of the Unified Society; whether he will state the number of members of approved societies entitled to additional benefits during the last five-year period and the amount of money appropriated for providing benefits during that period, and whether he will state the amount of money available for providing additional benefits during the current five-year period.
Ceisteanna.—Questions. Oral Answers. - Benefit for Insured Persons.
No additional benefits of any kind are being provided for members of Cumann an Arachais Náisiúnta ar Shláinte since the termination on the 5th July, 1936, of the additional benefit schemes adopted by certain approved societies as a result of the third valuation. The average number of members of such approved societies entitled to additional benefits during the five years to 5th July, 1936, is estimated at 87,000. The amount of money available for additional benefits during the five-year period was £400,217. As the recent valuation of Cumann an Arachais Náisiúnta ar Shláinte as at December 31, 1933, disclosed a deficiency no money is available for the provision of additional benefits during the five years from 6th July, 1936.
Arising out of the Minister's reply, would he say if the introduction of legislation is contemplated with the object of endeavouring to provide additional benefits, of a type somewhat similar to those which have been provided in the past, during the five year period when no additional benefits will be provided for?
Nothing of the kind is contemplated.
Arising out of the Minister's reply, is he in a position to state what the general trend is in the national health insurance society: that is to say, whether he believes that any deficiency existing at the end of the last quinquennial period is tending to disappear now; and, if so, does he not think that he might anticipate a surplus at the end of the present quinquennial which would enable him to extend certain sickness and disablement benefits, particularly in the form of dental benefit?
The position, as far as I know it, and the trend, as the Deputy suggests, is not such as would enable us to take any steps in the direction he suggests. The valuer reported that the expenditure on women's sickness benefit was 15 per cent. higher than was anticipated, and that, as regards disablement benefit, the expenditure for men was double, and for women, four times the amount anticipated.
I should like to know from the Minister whether his own Department contemplates doing anything, in regard to the rates of benefit under the National Health Insurance Acts, which will now be reduced to the statutory minimum for the next five years, to ensure that steps will be taken to try to remedy that position and make those benefits available, since the loss to insured persons is a very serious matter indeed?
The first step we took to remedy that situation was the amalgamation of these societies in an endeavour to save expenditure. The whole matter is under the consideration of the Department.
Is the Minister beginning to think that we were, perhaps, right in urging him not to amalgamate?
On the contrary, if we had not amalgamated, the position for insured persons would be very serious indeed.
Question!
asked the Minister for Local Government and Public Health whether he is aware that Mr. Edward Coogan, Powerscourt, Enniskerry, submitted evidence of incapacity covering a period of six weeks' illness to the United Society; that he received only 15/- benefit; and if he will state the grounds on which benefit for the remainder of the period of certified illness has been withheld.
I am informed by the society that payment of sickness benefit amounting to £1 15s. for two weeks and two days at the rate of 15/- per week has been made to Mr. Coogan in respect of an incapacity which commenced on the 14th April, 1936, and terminated on the 4th May, 1936. A further claim was sent in on the 24th June, but only one certificate dated the 22nd June has been received by the society. No payment can be made until evidence of incapacity after that date is received by the society.
asked the Minister for Local Government and Public Health whether he is aware that Mr. Edward Coogan, Powerscourt, Enniskerry, was unable during the past seven weeks to obtain from the United Society payment of maternity benefit to which he is entitled, and whether in view of the fact that this claimant experienced no difficulty in obtaining prompt payment of benefit from his former society in respect of similar claims, he will state the reason for this long delay in deciding and paying his claim.
I am informed that a claim for maternity benefit lodged with a temporary agent, acting during the illness of the regular agent, reached the society on the 11th June. The claim was returned to the agent to have the correct form completed and to inquire as to the year of the marriage which was stated to be 1900, although according to the records the year was 1922. When the correct form was received the year of marriage was shown as 1918 and the claim was again referred to the agent for inquiry. The society has now obtained from Mr. Coogan the required information and a cheque is being issued to-day.