asked the Minister for Social Welfare if it is a fact that an applicant for a blind pension (name supplied) was certified as a person fit for receipt of a blind pension in August, 1965 and informed by the Department in November, 1965 that he would get a pension; that the following week he received a letter saying there was not sufficient evidence to justify payment of a pension; that finally the applicant was not examined by the Department's ophthalmic inspector until the 13th March, 1966 when he was told that he was entitled to a pension; and that notwithstanding the facts set out above the said applicant has not yet received any payment of pension; and if he will state the reason for the long delay in this matter which has caused hardship to the pensioner.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Applicant for Blind Pension.
12.
Mr. Barrett
This claim to blind pension was originally allowed by the local pension committee and in accordance with standard procedure the clerk of the committee informed the claimant accordingly. An appeal against the decision was lodged, however, by the Social Welfare officer. The medical evidence was submitted to the Department's ophthalmic inspector and he decided that personal examination of the claimant was necessary. Examination was carried out when the inspector was next in the area. The appeals officer, on consideration of the inspector's report, has disallowed the appeal and a pension order book has now been issued.