asked the Minister for Local Government and Public Health whether he is aware that Patrick McGann, Greenhills, Brownstown, Kilcullen, Co. Kildare, who was awarded a blind pension of 10s. per week on the 12th May, 1924, by the Naas South Sub-Committee, has not yet received any payment, and whether he will give instructions to expedite sanction of pension.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. ORAL ANSWERS. - BLIND PENSION (KILCULLEN CLAIMANT).
The facts are as stated by the Deputy. The case was, with others, awaiting medical inspection on appeal. An additional temporary medical inspector was recently appointed and every effort will be made to clear off arrears of inspection in Blind Pension appeal cases. The Deputy's representations have been noted and this claim will be dealt with at the earliest possible date.
Is the Minister aware that there is quite a large number of claims for old age pensions waiting, some of them for two years, for this medical inspection, and will he take steps to have a sufficient number of doctors appointed to have these cases cleared off?
I have said I have appointed an additional man who, it is considered, will be quite adequate to deal with the additional claimants.
Is the Minister aware that it was suggested to one applicant that he should present himself in Dublin?
The Deputy has not informed me where the applicant comes from.
I will give you the particulars.
Will the Minister say how far the additional doctor has got through the arrears?
I think that should be a new question.