asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will take steps to reduce the delay in payment of occupational injury and sickness benefit claims.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Injury and Sickness Benefit.
3.
I do not accept the implication in the Deputy's question that there is general delay in the payment of occupational injury and disability benefit. If he is aware of any individual case in which delay has occurred and furnishes me with details, I will look into it.
I would point out that the first medical certificate submitted in support of a claim for disability benefit is a notice of incapacity showing that the claimant was first examined on a particular date and was then incapable of work. It is not until a second certificate is received that a period of continuing incapacity for work is established for which benefit can be paid. When the second and subsequent medical certificates are received payments are issued promptly, normally on the next working day after the receipt of these certificates.
Where occupational injury benefit claims are concerned delay in payment may occur due to the fact that inquiries are often necessary to establish title to benefit. There are, however, in general no avoidable delays in dealing with claims. While investigations into the facts of a work accident are proceeding, the claimant receives disability benefit, as an interim measure, provided he fulfils the contribution conditions for that benefit.
In general, I can assure the Deputy that the question of avoiding delays and of improving the service to the public in regard to the payment of social welfare benefits is a matter which is constantly receiving my attention. The recent acquisition of the most modern type of computer installation for the payment of sickness and occupational injury benefits marks a positive step in that direction.
Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that grave hardship does exist in these cases of occupational injury? It may be months before a person goes into benefit. There should be some benefit available to a person in these cases.
Disability benefit as an interim measure is paid where the contribution qualifications are met. I would agree with the Deputy that it could cause considerable hardship to a person to have undue delay.
Question No. 4.
Surely I can ask a supplementary on this.
We have got to make some progress at Question Time. The Chair has called the next question.
I am sorry to hold up the proceedings but I do not think this is fair.