Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 22 Oct 1991

Vol. 411 No. 4

Written Answers. - Social Welfare Benefits.

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

117 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Social Welfare if a person (details supplied) in Dublin 14 who was in receipt of disability benefit and now occupational injury benefit can claim for medical care from the time she qualified for occupational injury benefit in view of the fact that she did not know she was entitled to medical care as she had never heard of the benefit and she has to visit her doctor once a week and physiotherapist twice a week; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Social Welfare (Dr. Woods)

On 3 October 1991, the person concerned claimed expenses in respect of medical care under the occupational injury scheme in respect of an accident at work on 20 May 1991.

Under the conditions of the scheme, a claimant is required to give notice of intention of claiming medical care within six weeks of the commencement of care. Payment under the scheme is confined to disbursement in respect of such expenses which are reasonably and necessarily incurred and to the extent that they would not be met under the Health Acts or the treatment benefit scheme under the Social Welfare Acts.

The claim in this case is in respect of doctors visits and physiotherapy. Medical care is being allowed in respect of visits to her doctor in the six week period before receipt of the claim and a cheque in payment will issue shortly.

The physiotherapy claimed for was received privately. This treatment is available free under the Health Acts and, accordingly, may not be allowed under the medical care scheme.

Michael Lowry

Question:

118 Mr. Lowry asked the Minister for Social Welfare the current position regarding an appeal by a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary against the decision to qualify him for a reduced rate of old age non-contributory pension.

Minister for Social Welfare (Dr. Woods)

Following a review of his means, it was decided on 17 October 1991 that the person concerned is entitled to an increase in his old age non-contributory pension. He has been awarded an increased pension of £43.50 per week from 3 May 1991 rising to £47 per week from 26 July 1991.

The person concerned has been requested to return his current pension book so that an order book at the higher rate may issue to him. Arrears due to him will be issued as soon as possible.

Charles Flanagan

Question:

119 Mr. Flanagan asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a decision will be made on the old age pension of a person (details supplied) in County Laois, whose case is ongoing for some time.

Minister for Social Welfare (Dr. Woods)

The person concerned was notified that he was not entitled to an old age non-contributory pension as his means, derived from capital, a holding and employment as a casual labourer exceeded the statutory limit of £56 per week.

He appealed this decision to the independent social welfare appeals office in mid-August 1991. His case is currently with the social welfare officer to establish if there has been any change in circumstances.

As soon as this investigation has been completed, the case will be referred back to the appeals office for a decision. The person concerned will be notified in writing of the outcome as soon as possible.