asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he is aware of abuses of the occupational injuries scheme whereby beneficiaries do not pay their doctors and hospitals; and if he will take steps to eliminate such abuses.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Occupational Injuries Scheme.
9.
I assume the Deputy is referring to the medical care provisions of the Social Welfare (Occupational Injuries) Act, 1966, under which reimbursements are made, out of the occupational injuries funds, of costs of medical care incurred by insured persons as the result of occupational injuries and diseases. I am not aware of any abuses of these arrangements on the part of insured persons. Responsibility for settling accounts in respect of medical care expenses rests on the insured persons concerned and it is customary to bring this fact to their notice when payments are being made.