Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 18 Feb 1992

Vol. 415 No. 8

Written Answers. - Social Welfare Benefits.

Patrick McCartan

Ceist:

432 Mr. McCartan asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason for (a) the decision of the appeals office of his Department concerning the application for disability benefit of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 5 and (b) the continued reassessment of her entitlement; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Social Welfare (Mr. McCreevy)

The person concerned made a claim to disability benefit on 12 September 1990. Following an examination by a medical referee on 24 October 1990, payment of disability benefit was disallowed with effect from 1 November 1990. She appealed this decision and was examined by a different medical referee on 21 February 1991, who also expressed the opinion that she was capable of work.

The case was referred to an appeals officer, who having held an oral hearing, decided that the claimant was not incapable of work from 1 November 1990, and was not entitled to be paid disability benefit.

The appeals officer's decision is final and may only be altered in the light of new facts or fresh medical evidence.

Claimants who continue to submit medical certificates in these circumstances are examined at regular intervals by different medical referees. This arrangement ensures that changes in the nature of the person's medical condition would be taken into account. The claimant was examined on 8 October 1991 and 30 January 1992. Both medical referees expressed the opinion that she was capable of work.

The person concerned was formally notified of the decisions in her case in 1990 and in 1991. She has, however, continued submitting medical certificates.