asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is aware that the procedure under Sections 26 and 34 of the Workmen's Compensation Act, 1934, is proving burdensome to the workman, and is causing grievous delay, hardship and expense by postponing his right to a hearing in open court (as was formerly the practice) until the cumbersome procedure laid down by these sections has been complied with; and, if so, if he will introduce proposals for legislation to provide that the procedure referred to will be speeded up.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Workmen's Compensation Act.
I am not aware that the procedure under Sections 26 and 34 of the Workmen's Compensation Act, 1934, is proving burdensome to the workman or that it is causing him grievous delay, hardship or expense. If the Deputy will forward to my Department particulars of any case in which such delay, hardship or expense is alleged, I will have the allegation investigated.
I want to state that this question is prompted by my own personal experience. The Minister will agree with me that six weeks is too long for workmen to be kept out of benefit. I am informed by people who know more about the sections to which I have referred in the question than I do, that the delay is caused principally by these sections.