asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason for the delay in paying arrears of a disability benefit to a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter in view of the fact that the person's employers declared him unfit for work.
Written Answers. - Social Welfare Benefit.
101.
Payment of occupational injury benefit was disallowed from 2 January 1986 following an examination by a medical referee who expressed the opinion that he was capable of work.
The appeals officer, after holding an oral hearing at which the claimant was present, decided that the person concerned was not incapable of work within the meaning of the Social Welfare Acts during the period subsequent to 2 January 1986 and is not entitled to be paid injury benefit from that date. This decision was given on 2 September 1986.
He continued to submit medical evidence of incapacity for work, but was not eligible for benefit, to 25 August 1987 after which date he was certified fit to resume work by his doctor.
He appealed against the disallowance of benefit subsequent to the appeals officer's decision and the case will be referred to an appeals officer as soon as possible.