Bernard Allen
Question:418 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Social Welfare when it is expected that a decision will be made in relation to a disability benefit appeal made in August 1991 for a person (details supplied) in County Cork.
Written Answers. - Social Welfare Payments.
The person concerned had her claim for disability benefit disallowed following an examination by a medical referee who deemed her to be capable of work. She appealed against this decision to the independent social welfare appeals office and she was referred for a further medical examination by a different medical referee who also deemed her to be capable of work.
The appeals officer considers that an oral hearing of the appeal is necessary and this will be arranged for a very early date.
Tony Gregory
Question:419 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will review the request of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 7 who is 57 years old and whose sole income is a corporation pension of about £60 per week.
I understand that the Deputy's question relates to the extension of the free travel scheme to the person concerned and to people in similar circumstances.
The free travel scheme applies to all residents of the State aged 66 years or over. The general purpose of the scheme is to encourage elderly people to avail of travel services within the State, particularly at off-peak times. The scheme has been extended progressively over the years for certain categories of people under 66 years. It now applies also to registered blind persons over 18 years and to certain categories of disabled persons under 66 years who are in receipt of a qualifying payment from my Department or a health board.
The person concerned is under 66 years of age and does not fulfil any of the current conditions or entitlement to free travel. Accordingly it is not possible to award him a free travel pass.
There would be a very significent cost in extending the free travel scheme to the persons in the circumstances applicable in this case.