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Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 6 Jun 1968

Vol. 235 No. 5

Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Payment of Sickness Benefit.

38.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will arrange for the immediate resumption of the payment of sickness benefit in respect of a person in County Longford (name supplied).

It was decided by a deciding officer that the insured person referred to is not entitled to disability benefit on the ground that he is not incapable of work. An appeal has been lodged and the appeals officer proposes to have an oral hearing at an early date.

Deciding officers and appeals officers are statutorily appointed and I am not empowered to alter their decisions.

Could the Minister say what will the period be between the suspension of the benefit and the hearing by the appeals officer?

What is the question?

Can the Minister say what time will elapse?

The appeal was lodged in March.

When was benefit suspended?

Some time in March. The claimant was examined in April and May, 1968, by medical referees, each of whom was of the opinion that the man was capable of working.

Would the Minister not agree that it is unreasonable that because somebody happens to be ill, payment should be suspended and the person should be left for several months before an appeal is decided?

It will not be several months.

By the time the appeal has been heard, it will be several months.

It will not.

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