asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he is aware of the fact that a person (name supplied) who applied for disability allowance and provided doctor's certificates in confirmation of his claim was informed at the social welfare inquiry office at Gardiner Street, Dublin that certificates lodged in respect of the first two weeks of his illness had been mislaid; and that he would have to provide duplicates before payment could be made; and if, in view of the delay in payment which this procedure entailed, he considers this attitude justifiable.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Disability Allowance.
38.
The person named by the Deputy called at the public office of my Department on 21st February, 1966 and was informed that the only medical evidence received from him in respect of his current illness was a medical certificate dated 15th February, 1966; he was not informed that certificates had been mislaid or that duplicates should be provided. When a further medical certificate dated 22nd February, 1966 was received payment was made on 25th February, 1966. There is no trace in my Department of the receipt of the claim and certificates referred to by the Deputy.
The claimant stated that he had been in hospital during the two weeks prior to 15th February, 1966 and, in order to establish title to disability benefit, he was asked to obtain confirmation from the hospital authorities. This was received in my Department on 1st March, 1966, and the benefit then due was paid on 2nd March, 1966.
What the Minister has said in effect is that this man is a liar. I do not believe he is a liar. I think he is a trustworthy man, that he was telling me the truth, that he lodged the certificates.
I have not said the man is a liar.
In effect.
There is a conflict of evidence as to what happened. I do not know who is right.
We shall go further into this.