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Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 3 Jun 1970

Vol. 247 No. 3

Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Sickness Benefit Payment.

41.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare if, in view of the unusually long delay in deciding on the insurability for the purpose of the Social Welfare Acts of a person (name supplied) he will now have a decision communicated to this person in order that sickness benefit and arrears may be paid to him without delay.

The decision that the employment of the person named in the question for the period 18th June, 1960, onwards was insurable for the purposes of the Social Welfare Acts was conveyed to him and his employers on the 30th June, 1969. Notice of appeal against the decision was received from a firm of solicitors on the 25th July, 1969. This notice which was submitted on behalf of the employers gave the impression that it was on behalf of the employed person. Due to this fact and the extreme difficulty experienced in obtaining from both parties the statements of the facts and contentions on which they based their respective positions in the matter the submission of the appeal to an appeals officer was unduly delayed. The appeal has now been submitted to the appeals officer.

Has the Minister any idea when the appeal will be heard?

As soon as possible. Within the next two weeks.

Will it be an oral hearing?

I could not say.

Could the Minister say what sort of information is expected from the employee?

The usual evidence of unemployment. This is an unusual case.

It is very unusual in that the man has been waiting about six months for his benefit.

He was himself secretary of the firm which did not stamp.

The Minister is now trying to prejudge. He was appointed as secretary but he did not act in that capacity exclusively.

Now it is the Deputy who is prejudging the case.

No. All these submissions have been made to the Minister's Department months ago. This man is now dependent on home assistance.

The Minister has learned the wisdom of hastening slowly.

This is a case I do not want to discuss at this point of time.

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