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Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 15 Apr 1943

Vol. 89 No. 16

Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - National Health Society Benefits.

Mr. Alfred Byrne

asked the Minister for Local Government and Public Health whether he is aware that a large number of persons have been disqualified from benefits in National Health Society on the grounds that they were fitted for light work; and if, in view of the scarcity of employment for persons fitted only for light work, he will introduce legislation to provide amelioration of their hardships.

The evidence in my Department does not support the view expressed by the Deputy in the first part of his question. Health insurance benefits are payable to insured persons whilst rendered incapable of work by some specific disease or by bodily or mental disablement. In determining claims for benefit, the Health Insurance Society is entitled to make a decision as to payment of benefit on the medical or other relevant evidence or information. If the opinion expressed by the District Medical Referee, after examination of the insured person, is to the effect that the person is capable of light work, the society almost invariably allows a period of at least four weeks to the member to seek suitable work; and at the end of the period usually refers the case for further examination by the medical referee before finally deciding the question whether the person is or is not to remain in benefit. The society reviews all cases of this kind with the utmost consideration.

As regards the latter part of the question, it must be pointed out that the provision of assistance for persons fitted only for light work does not form part of health insurance. If they require assistance to provide amelioration of their hardships, they can be dealt with under the Public Assistance Acts. An extension of legislation is not necessary.

Mr. Byrne

I take it, from the Parliamentary Secretary's reply, that he admits that people are discharged from national health benefits when they are found 50 per cent. fit for work. If there is no work of the type that such people are only fit for, that is, light work, surely he will give them some benefits—a 50 per cent. benefit for 50 per cent. disability? There is no work for these people at all, and they should not be discharged.

The Deputy ought to know what he is talking about.

I have never heard before of 50 per cent. disability determining the right to insurance benefit.

Mr. Byrne

But they are discharged when they are 50 per cent. better of a serious trouble. They are discharged to go back on the market to compete with those who are 100 per cent. fit, and there is no opportunity for them. The benefits ought to be reconsidered and some provision made for them. I leave that to the commonsense of the whole House.

According to the information at my disposal, they are not discharged until they are certified as being capable of work.

Mr. Byrne

Light work?

Mr. Byrne

That is an admission of my case. If there is no light work, would the Parliamentary Secretary see that they get partial benefit?

If a special additional benefit is to be provided, the financial provisions of national health insurance would have to be altered.

Mr. Byrne

That is not the question.

That is the question that has been asked.

Mr. Byrne

I ask the Parliamentary Secretary why a person should be discharged from benefit if not physically fit to go to the work that is available. That is all. Otherwise, they should not be discharged.

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