asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he is aware that the present system of dividing lump sum workmen's compensation payments into a notional payment of £4 10s. 0d. per week and disqualifying the recipient of the lump sum from sickness benefit for the relevant number of weeks frequently results in cases of hardship arising both from the fact that the recipient of the lump sum compensation frequently has to expend some of this sum in settlement of debt incurred while he was awaiting compensation and had no earnings, and the fact that most recipients find difficulty in administering a lump sum of this kind at a rate of exactly four pounds ten shillings per week; and if he will have this system investigated with a view to the introduction of a system whereby these hardships would be reduced or eliminated.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Workmen's Compensation.
33.
As I stated in reply to a recent question, the preparation of a general scheme of a Bill to extend the Social Insurance scheme to include provision for compensation for disablement or loss of life following occupational injury is well advanced. It would not be appropriate at this stage to investigate the matter referred to by the Deputy.
Will the Minister undertake to consider the matter I have raised in this question?
It will be considered.