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Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 27 Nov 1963

Vol. 206 No. 2

Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Civil Service Medical Examinations.

16.

andMr. McQuillan asked the Minister for Finance whether a person, following a surgical operation or other disability which does not interfere with his capacity to carry out satisfactorily the required work in a Government Department, may be rejected by medical examination under the Civil Service Commissioners; and, if so, if there is a right of appeal against such a decision.

Rejection could take place because the question of freedom from physical defect or disease involves the future as well as the present. The main object of official medical examination is to ensure that there is a reasonable prospect of regular and effective service and to guard against early pension, sick pay for prolonged periods or payments in case of premature death.

If a candidate appeals against rejection on medical grounds the Commissioners refer such cases to a Board of three specialists for examination and report.

In the case of a person who might, because of a serious operation, such as a pneumonectomy, be considered to have a reduced expectation of life but who might be able to give service during that limited period, would the Minister consider accepting him for such limited service with some sort of loading such as is operated by the insurance companies?

I am not familiar with the practice adopted by the Civil Service Commissioners but I am sure they would apply this bar only where they believe that health would be permanently impaired. I do not believe they would apply it in the case of an ordinary harmless operation.

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