asked the Minister for Social Welfare whether he is aware that medical referees have certified persons as being capable of work who have, in fact, been certified as unfit for work by their own dispensary or private doctors, with resultant great hardship for the persons concerned, and, if so, if he will review the position with a view to permitting the patient's certifying doctor to be present with the medical referee when such cases are under appeal or review.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Certification by Medical Referees.
The medical referee's examination of an insured person is for the purpose of securing a second medical opinion on the claimant's condition. In connection with such examination the certifier is invited to assist the referee by furnishing a confidential report on the claimant and to be present at the examination if he so desires. If the claimant appeals against a cessation of benefit, the certifier is at liberty to attend the appeal hearing and to give evidence on behalf of the claimant. I am satisfied that the present arrangements are adequate.
Is the Minister aware that, notwithstanding the fact that the certifier is entitled to be present when the appeals officer is adjudicating on a case, nevertheless in 99 cases out of 100 he does not attend due to the fact that he does not receive remuneration?
He does receive payment for it. He is entitled to be present before the medical referee and before the appeals officer.
I am sorry; I would like to correct that. As far as I know, he does not receive remuneration.