asked the Minister for Social Welfare whether he is aware that persons, who are in receipt of disability benefit, and who are chronic cases, suffer great hardship because they are compelled to furnish medical certificates weekly, and, if so, if he will arrange that quarterly certification will suffice in such cases.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Medical Certificates.
I am not aware that insured persons in receipt of disability benefit are compelled to furnish certificates of incapacity at weekly intervals. In suitable cases, certificates at fortnightly or monthly intervals will be accepted.
I should also say that if an insured person is unable by reason of his incapacity to go to his medical certifier, the certifier is required to visit the insured person at his home for the purpose of issuing the required certificates of incapacity.
In these circumstances, I do not propose to make any change in the arrangements relating to the furnishing of certificates of incapacity by insured persons.