As a medical practitioner, the Minister of State present will have some knowledge of the subject I wish to raise. The case involves the most extraordinary decision ever made in terms of eligibility for unemployability supplement. While it is accepted that the individual concerned remains unfit for his original occupation as a labourer due to the loss of four fingers on his right hand, the opinion has been expressed that he is fit for certain types of work which does not require a fine grip. It appears that the residual functional capacity of his hand has improved since the first medical assessment was made. I do not know how anybody could come to that conclusion, although the wound has healed.
The Minister of State should contact his colleague in the Department of Social, Community and Family Affairs and ask that the matter be looked at again. It should be acknowledged that the individual concerned was involved in a serious accident and that the limb cannot be replaced. I have no difficulty with somebody being told that they should look for work, that it would be therapeutic and helpful but it is wrong to reduce their social welfare payments by 50 per cent if they fail to do so. An employer would be held liable in the event of an accident.
The individual concerned has no difficulty in looking for work but he should not be forced to do so or have his social welfare payments reduced. That is unacceptable. He will attempt to deal with the problem in his own way. Some people can overcome their disability readily, others cannot. We should ensure that in such circumstances there are options. The individual concerned should be encouraged to look for work through which he is able to improve his quality of life and general well-being. Under no circumstances should the rod of iron be brought down upon him.
I reject the argument put forward in this case and hope the Minister of State will not say that the Minister has no responsibility in the matter.