Vol. 397 No. 7
29 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Social Welfare if all medical referees who adjudicate on disability claims are qualified doctors; if not, the medical qualifications which they have; if he is satisfied with the present examination system; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Medical referees are qualified medical practitioners. They are recruited by the Civil Service Commission and a condition of their appointment is that they must have at least six years' experience in general medical practice.
Every effort is made to ensure that the interests of persons referred for medical referee examination are fully safeguarded. Their own certifiers are advised of the forthcoming examinations and invited to submit an appropriate medical report including references to any recent consultant examinations. In addition, it is open to a certifier to attend a medical referee examination if he or she so wishes.
In carrying out medical examinations, medical referees conform to the ethical conduct and behaviour guidelines of the Medical Council. All examinations are carried out in the presence of the official nurse and all reports of examinations are submitted to my Department's medical adviser.
The medical referee examinations being carried out are of a high standard. However, the system is kept under continuous review.
