asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will confirm that disability benefit was not paid after July, 1986 to a person (details supplied) in Dublin 10; if so, if he will clarify a letter sent to Mr. Jim Mitchell, TD, dated 24 February 1988 which indicated that disability benefit was paid up to February, 1987; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Disability Benefit.
98.
The person concerned was in receipt of disability benefit from 31 May 1972 and payment was issued to 12 July 1986.
Payment was disallowed from 14 July 1986, following examination by a medical referee who expressed the opinion that he was capable of work. He appealed against the disallowance and was examined by a different medical referee who also expressed the opinion that he was capable of work. His case was then referred to an appeals officer who upheld the decision to disallow payment of disability benefit from 14 July 1986 to 31 December 1986, the date on the latest medical certificate before him. The decision of the appeals officer is final and can only be altered in the light of new facts or fresh medical evidence.
In a letter from the Department to the Deputy, it was erroneously stated that the person concerned was in receipt of disability benefit up to February 1987. This error is regretted. It appears that he had been in receipt of supplementary welfare allowance during the period from July 1986 to February 1987.