Social Welfare Benefits

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 1 March 2012

Thursday, 1 March 2012

Ceisteanna (34)

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

26 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will specifically ensure that claimants for disability benefit and allowance or invalidity pension, who are cancer patients are treated in a fashion and with the consideration required as befits their medical condition and that deciding officers have regard for the nature of their illness when determining their fitness for work; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11887/12]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton)

The Department is committed to delivering a quality customer service and in that regard endeavours to treat all clients, including cancer patients, in a fair and courteous manner. Medical assessment of eligibility for illness related benefit/assistance schemes is determined by the Department's Medical Assessors in accordance with evidence based medical guidelines and protocols. Deciding officers, who determine entitlement to the schemes, have due regard to the medical opinion of the Department's Medical Assessors. If a person is not satisfied with the decision of a Deciding Officer it is open to that person to lodge an appeal to the Social Welfare Appeals Office. If a person is not satisfied with the service they have received it is open to that person to lodge a complaint. Procedures for lodging a complaint or providing feedback are outlined on the Department's website and are available from the Department's public offices. The Department aims to resolve complaints without undue delay.