John Halligan (Waterford, Independent)

I would like to read a small piece of correspondence into the record, following which I will have a question for the Minister. The following is relevant to many cases with which Members deal:

X has a medical diagnosis of ischio-vertebral dysplasia resulting in significant deterioration and orthopaedic problems, has a rod inserted in her spine to attempt to support her trunk due to deterioration of bones in the spine. The use of powered mobility for medium to long distances and her ability to propel herself or mobilise on foot for long periods cannot be done. Uses a wheelchair.

I received the following reply from the Department of Social Protection:

I wish to refer to your correspondence regarding case X. The case was assessed by a medical assessor for the social welfare services who was of the opinion that X was not medically suitable for disability allowance.

This was in spite of a letter from the Central Remedial Clinic, a doctor and a specialist. Many doctors and specialists, having assessed and deemed a person physically or mentally unable to work, believe they are being undermined by unseen doctors from the social services, whom the Minister says are qualified. Why is it necessary for people who have doctor and specialist certification to support that they are incapable of working re-assessed? These people need disability and invalidity allowances. Would we not be better off abolishing this assessment and allowing the qualified doctors and specialists - in this case it is the Central Remedial Clinic - to make that decision, thus saving a substantial amount of money?

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