asked the Minister for Local Government and Public Health if he will consider the advisability of changing the method of examination for persons applying for blind pensions, and accept an outside expert's certificate in lieu of the examination at the Customs House by a Government doctor.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Blind Pensions.
I am not aware of any necessity for a change in the present method of investigating claims for blind pensions. Pensions are, in fact, granted on certificates given by ophthalmic surgeons in Dublin and elsewhere, where such certificates leave no doubt as to the claimant's statutory qualification.
Arising out of the Parliamentary Secretary's reply, is he aware that there are many cases of hardship due to the fact that the opinions of eye specialists conflict with that of the Government expert? Is there any means by which he can do something for applicants for blind pensions who are suffering grave hardship because of that?
In cases where there is no doubt, the certificate of the ophthalmic surgeon is accepted and the pension is awarded. In doubtful cases, the Departmental medical inspector examines the claimants.
I appreciate the position from the Departmental point of view. Is the Parliamentary Secretary in a position to say what standard of incapacity would entitle an applicant to a pension. Would, for instance, two-sixtieths?
It is not a question of sixtieths. It is a question as to whether or not the claimant is able to follow his or her ordinary occupation.
Mr. Hogan
Is not the Parliamentary Secretary aware that the only person who raises a doubt is not an expert but is a non-professional man—an officer of the Department of Finance?
Would the Parliamentary Secretary say if it is not a fact that the opinion of very prominent eye experts has, in some cases, been reversed by his Department?
That could happen. They might be too soft-hearted.