asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason for the delay in paying disability benefit to a person (details supplied) in County Kerry who applied for same on 23 November 1988; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Social Welfare Benefits.
125.
The person concerned was paid disability benefit to 22 November 1988 after which date payment was disallowed following an examination by a medical referee who expressed the opinion that he was capable of work.
He appealed against the disallowance and arrangements have been made to have him examined by a different medical referee as soon as possible. His entitlement to benefit will then be reviewed in the light of the medical referee's report.
126.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason for the delay in paying occupational injury benefit to a person (details supplied) in County Kerry who applied for same on 24 September 1988 following an accident at work and who submitted a medical certificate on the same day to her employer; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The person concerned claimed injury benefit in respect of an incapacity from an alleged accident at work on 24 September 1988.
Pending the completion of investigations arising from the accident her entitlement to disability benefit on an interim basis was examined. In the absence of 39 contributions recorded to her account the claimant failed to satisfy the qualifying conditions for disability benefit.
On inquiry from her employer he indicated that no such accident was reported to him and he could not therefore confirm the alleged accident. The matter was referred to the social welfare officer for investigation.
The claim will be decided as soon as investigations are completed. If the claimant's means are insufficient to meet her needs in the meantime it is open to her to apply for supplementary welfare allowance from the local community welfare officer.
127.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will favourably review the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 8 who was seriously burnt in a fire and who was out of work during the period 16 January 1988 to 10 March 1988 during which time she claimed disability benefit.
The person concerned claimed disability benefit from 18 January 1988 and was paid at the weekly rate of £52.55, that is £42.30 personal rate and half rate in respect of two children.
She made a claim for an increase in respect of her husband as an adult dependant and full rate in respect of her children, which was initially disallowed. Arrangements are now being made to have the application reviewed and her spouse's eligibility as an adult dependant assessed. She will be advised of the outcome of the review as soon as possible.
128.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will review the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 12 who is an applicant for disability benefit.
The person concerned claimed disability benefit from 13 June 1988 and payment was issued to 29 July 1988.
Payment was disallowed from 30 July 1988 following examination by a medical referee on 15 July 1988 who expressed the opinion that she was capable of work.
She appealed against the disallowance and was examined by a different medical referee on 12 September 1988 who also expressed the opinion that she was capable of work. Her case was then referred to an appeals officer who upheld the decision to disallow payment of disability benefit from 30 July 1988. The decision of the appeals officer is final and can only be altered in the light of new facts or fresh evidence.