asked the Minister for Local Government and Public Health if he will state the reasons why Mr. Thomas Roche, 76 Aughrim Street, Dublin, having been discharged medically unfit from the Army after 17 years' service, has now been informed that he is not rendered incapable of work within the meaning of the National Health Insurance Acts (295136) and has been deprived of benefit.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - National Health Insurance Benefit.
Mr. Thomas Roche was discharged from the Defence Forces on the 17th November, 1943. He first claimed benefit on the 9th October, 1944. He was then certified as suffering from sciatica and he was paid sickness benefit by the National Health Insurance Society at the maximum rate from the 12th October, 1944 (the fourth day of incapacity) to the 18th January, 1945, the date of the last certificate furnished by him to the National Health Insurance Society. In the meantime Mr. Roche's case was referred by the National Health Insurance Society to the district medical referee. At the first examination of Mr. Roche the medical referee expressed the opinion that he was incapable of work, but might be capable in a couple of weeks. The case was again referred by the society to the medical referee and on the 9th February, 1945, he expressed the opinion that Mr. Roche was capable of work.
Mr. Roche was notified by the society on the 22nd February, 1945, that it had been decided not to admit that he was incapable of work on or after the 9th February, 1945—the date of the last examination by the district medical referee—and he was advised (and again on the 8th March, 1945), of his right to contest this decision by arbitration and, if necessary, by appeal to the Minister. No application for arbitration has been received.
Will the Minister say if it is still open to Mr. Roche to make an appeal?
There would be arbitration in the first instance, and if he were not satisfied with the result of the arbitration, he could appeal to the Minister.