asked the Minister for Social Welfare why disability benefit for a person in County Meath (name supplied) was stopped on 15th December 1971, although his own doctor will not let him resume work; and why he was not examined by a referee on 2nd February 1972.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Meath Disability Benefit Payment.
27.
Payment of disability benefit to the person referred to by the Deputy in his question was discontinued from 15th December, 1971, following an examination by a medical referee of the Department on that date who expressed the opinion that the claimant was capable of work. The claimant appealed against the decision and in connection with the appeal arrangements were made for another examination by a different medical referee on 2nd February, 1972. The claimant, however, did not attend for examination. The examination has been re-arranged for 23rd February, 1972, and when the report of the examination is available the claimant's appeal will be decided.
Is the Minister aware that the person referred to lives with his wife, an invalid daughter, a nineyear-old daughter and a mentally defective brother and would he agree that the disallowing of benefit to the man on the 15th of December was not a very Christian-like act? Also, is the Minister aware that, despite the fact that the man's doctor had certified him as being unfit for work and that the day on which the examination was to be held—this was the day of national mourning—the man cycled five miles in the rain to Navan for the examination, but that the referee said either that he had finished work for the day or that he was unable to see him although there is evidence that he was there at 4 o'clock on that day? This man has not received any support from anyone since 15th December. Would the Minister try to do something about the position very soon.
I understand that the man concerned was called for 10.30 a.m. but did not arrive until the evening.
At what time did the referee leave Navan?
I understand he had gone when the man arrived.
Despite the fact that his appointments ran later than 4 o'clock.