asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason for the long delay in paying occupational injury benefit or disability benefit to a person (details supplied) in County Limerick; and the reason for the delay in deciding his appeal.
Written Answers. - Occupational Injury Benefit.
104.
The person referred to by the Deputy was paid occupational injury benefit for 26 weeks from 10th June, 1975, to 8th December, 1975, the maximum period for which this benefit is payable. Disability benefit was paid in respect of incapacity after that date and continued in payment until 21st June, 1976, from which date his claim was disallowed following an examination on 8th June, 1976, by a medical referee who expressed the opinion that he was then capable of work. The claimant appealed against the disallowance of benefit and in connection with his appeal he was again examined on 3rd August, 1976, by a different medical referee who also found him to be capable of work. The appeal is proceeding and an oral hearing has been arranged for 12th November, 1976.