Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 29 September 2010
1240 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason those appealing refusal to grant disability allowance and other such allowances cannot have a witness present when they attend the medical assessor, who has a witness present in the form of a nurse; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31782/10]
Amharc ar fhreagraAny of the following people may attend with the patient at in-person assessments including appeals assessments: the patient's GP, an interpreter (if deemed necessary) or an approved advocate by prior arrangement. Attendance of anyone else who wishes to attend along with the patient, is at the discretion of the Medical Assessor. The nurses present at medical in-person assessments, are all fully qualified nurses and their role is to assist the Medical Assessor and the patient during the medical assessment.
