asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason for the delay in having a person (details supplied) in County Kerry recalled before an independent medical referee, with a view to restoring occupational injury benefit to him, in view of the fact that his employers' medical advisers have advised his employers not to take him back on health grounds; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Social Welfare Benefit.
107.
Payment of occupational injury benefit to the person concerned was disallowed from 2 January 1986 following an examination by a medical referee who expressed the opinion that he was capable of work. He appealed against the disallowance of benefit and an appeals officer, after holding an oral hearing at which the claimant was present, decided on 2 September 1986 that he was capable of work during the period from 2 January 1986 to 10 July 1986 and so not entitled to injury or disability benefit in respect of that period.
He continued to submit medical evidence of incapacity for work and was examined again by a medical referee on 3 February 1987 who confirmed the capable findings. Medical evidence was submitted to 25 August 1987 after which date he was certified fit to resume work by his own doctor.
Representations made on his behalf in October 1987 were treated as an appeal against the disallowance of disability benefit from July 1986 and the appeal has now been referred to an appeals officer for determination. A decision will be made as soon as possible.