asked the Minister for Social Welfare whether he is aware of recent allegations, made at an FUE seminar concerning the issuing of medical certificates; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Issue of Medical Certificates.
192.
I am aware that statements were made recently at an FUE seminar alleging irregularities in the issue of medical certificates of incapacity for work and I am having the matter examined in so far as it relates to the services administered by my Department.
As regards disability benefit my Department have an obligation to ensure that all insured persons genuinely incapabale of work who submit medical evidence of incapacity receive their full entitlement. Equally there is an obligation to ensure that persons who are not so incapable do not receive any payment to which they are not entitled. To this end there is in operation in the Department a system of assessment by medical referees who provide independent medical opinion on all claims to disability benefit. The number of referees has this year been brought up to full strength and I am satisfied that the continued operation of the system of independent medical assessment will be successful in preventing abuse of social welfare schemes.