asked the Minister for Defence the reasons why applicant number D. P. 34692 has been refused the special allowance by his Department, particularly in view of the fact that medical opinion affirms that the applicant in question is very severely incapacitated.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Special Allowance Application.
50.
The person referred to is under 70 years of age and a statutory condition for the award of a special allowance in such a case is that the applicant be incapable of self-support by reason of permanent infirmity.
The applicant was examined by Bord na nArm Phinsean in 1961, and on appeals by a Pensions Medical Officer in 1962 and a different Pensions Medical Officer in 1963. In none of these instances was he found to be incapable of self-support by reason of permanent infirmity.
In the circumstances, I regret that an award of special allowance cannot be made to him.
Is the Minister aware that this applicant was certified for the disablement allowance by the same medical officer as reported on his case to the Department and is he further aware that one of the leading specialists in this country has certified that the man is incapable of self support? In view of these facts, will the Minister undertake to reconsider the case?
I do not think I can agree entirely with the Deputy. The medical findings I have is that they consider he was not incapable of self support. However, I will have the case re-examined and see if there is any matter in the representations now made on his behalf.
I am pleased with that but I would ask the Minister to bear in mind that the medical officer who submitted the report to his Department is the same person as approved the applicant to the Cork Health Authority and that the leading specialist I have referred to has told the man that he cannot work any longer.
I am bound by the decision of the Army Pensions Board and they have examined the evidence to which the Deputy referred. I shall look into the matter.