Willie Penrose (Westmeath, Labour)
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Question 382: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when the Workman's Compensation Act 1934 was repealed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8245/07]

Séamus Brennan (Dublin South, Fianna Fail)
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The Social Welfare (Occupational Injuries) Act, 1966 provided for the repeal of the Workmen's Compensation Acts, with effect from 1 May, 1967. However, employers continued to be liable to pay compensation under the Workmen's Compensation Acts in respect of accidents which occurred or diseases which were contracted before that date.

It was decided however, that increases in the compensation would be provided and would be met from the contributions paid by the general body of employers to the Occupational Injuries Fund which was set up to fund the new Occupational Injuries Benefit scheme.

Provision was made to enable recipients of workmens compensation payments who were permanently incapable of work to receive Unemployability Supplement on the same basis as recipients of Disablement Benefit under the Occupational Injuries Benefit scheme. Provision was also made to extend entitlement to the Constant Attendance Allowance to recipients of workmens compensation on a similar basis as applied to recipients of Disablement Pension. In addition, entitlement to Disability Benefit was extended to recipients of Workmen's Compensation.