asked the Minister for Social Welfare why an applicant for disability benefit in County Kerry (name supplied) is not being paid when it has been clearly established that he is not fit for work and as his wife and family are suffering as a result.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Kerry Disability Benefit Applicant.
31.
A claim for disability benefit by the insured person concerned in respect of the period from 22nd May, 1967 to 18th October, 1967 was disallowed on the ground that he was not incapable of work. This decision was upheld, following an oral hearing, by an appeals officer, whose decision is final. A claim for disability benefit for the period 19th October, 1967 to the 21st December, 1967, has also been disallowed on the grounds that he was not incapable of work and it is open to him to appeal against this decision if he is dissatisfied with it. This person represented himself as fit for and seeking work when claiming unemployment benefit on 3rd January, 1968 and he was paid that benefit up to 15th February, 1968. A further claim for disability benefit showing incapacity from 16th February, 1968 due to a recent injury was received yesterday and payment on this claim will be made in due course.
May I ask the Minister if after it was said that he was capable of doing work, it was proved by the inspector that work was available for him?
This is a case where the man was actually claiming unemployment benefit in the interim period referred to.
Is it not true that in many cases the application for disability benefit has been refused when the referee decides against it and that subsequently the person declared not incapable of work has had to go into hospital for treatment? This has happened on a number of occasions. Would the Minister try to ensure that his inspectors will be a little more careful about declaring somebody fit for work if, in fact, he is not in that condition?