asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether he is aware that Córas Iompair Eireann repudiates liability for the payment of medical expenses under Section 73 of the Workmen's Compensation Act, 1934, in respect of workmen injured by accident within the meaning of the Act, except in cases where the compensation is fixed by order of the court; whether he is aware that in very many cases no matter of dispute arises relating to the character of the accident and that compensation is payable voluntarily, no agreement being registered; and, if so, whether, in view of the fact that in the latter case the doctors claim fees from the injured workmen which, in the nature of the case, they are unable to pay, he is prepared to make representations to the company that they should in such cases pay the medical expenses not exceeding £5 or, if this course is impracticable, whether he is prepared to amend the law so as to make it clear that employers are liable for the payment of medical expenses in any case in which compensation is payable under a voluntary unregistered agreement.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Workmen's Compensation Act: Payment of Medical Expenses.
I am not aware that Córas Iompair Eireann repudiates liability for payment of medical expenses under the Workmen's Compensation Act, 1934, in respect of workmen injured by accident within the meaning of that Act. As the Deputy is aware, the section of the Act referred to by him does not impose any liability on the company save in the circumstances set out in that section.
I am aware that in very many cases no matter of dispute arises relating to the character of the accident and that compensation is payable voluntarily, no agreement being registered, but I have no information that doctors concerned in such cases claim fees from injured workmen which the latter are unable to pay. In the absence of more information, I am not prepared to make any representations to the company or to undertake to amend existing legislation in the manner indicated by the Deputy.
Will the Minister examine the matter further if information is supplied to him?
Certainly.