asked the Minister for Social Welfare what form of compensation or benefit is available to a worker who incurs dermatitis arising out of the nature of his work; who decides the nature of the disability, that is, whether dermatitis or a simple skin rash is involved; whether he is aware that, while this question is being decided, the worker affected is left without compensation or benefit; and whether he can take steps to obviate hardship of this kind for the worker.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Dermatitis Compensation.
18.
Non-infective dermatitis of external origin is a prescribed disease for the purpose of the Social Welfare (Occupational Injuries) Act, 1966, and an insured person who develops this disease due to the nature of his insurable employment is eligible to receive benefit under that Act. All questions arising in relation to claims for benefit are decided by deciding officers appointed under the Social Welfare Act, 1952. In dermatitis cases, medical advice is obtained by the deciding officer before giving a decision. To obviate hardship in cases where decisions on claims to occupational injuries benefit have to be deferred disability benefit is paid as an interim measure where the person concerned is incapable of work and satisfics the normal conditions for that benefit.
Having regard to the importance of the matter and the fact that the incidence of dermatitis would seem to be growing, would the Minister not consider issuing general information on the lines indicated, in printed form, for operatives in trade unions, or is this a matter for the Department of Labour?
Yes, I will consider that.