The person concerned applied for disablement benefit under the occupational injuries scheme on 14 May 2001. The basis for the application was that he had developed carpal tunnel syndrome and repetitive strain injury during the course of his employment as a chef. His application was refused on the grounds that he was not in a prescribed occupation for repetitive strain injury and that carpal tunnel syndrome is not a prescribed disease within the terms of the occupational injuries legislation. He subsequently appealed this decision to the social welfare appeals office. The appeals officer upheld the decision and disallowed the appeal.
His contention that his claim should be allowed by reference to the information in the leaflet to which the Deputy refers was also examined. The medical evidence available to my Department was fully reviewed in this context but a revised decision was not warranted. He was advised accordingly. Following a review of the list of prescribed diseases and employments, the question of adding a number of diseases to the list of prescribed occupational diseases is being examined. Any change in this regard will be in the Social Welfare Bill, 2003. In the light of any changes in this regard, the person's entitlement to disablement benefit will be reviewed and he will be notified directly of the outcome.
He is currently in receipt of unemployment benefit. Under social welfare legislation decisions on claims must be made by deciding officers and appeals officers. These officers are statutorily appointed and I have no role in regard to making such decisions.
Question No. 398 answered with Question No. 392.