Pearse Doherty (Donegal, Sinn Fein)
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545. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the reason the illness benefit of a person (details supplied) was suspended; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43619/17]

Regina Doherty (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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The person concerned suffered an injury at work in November 2016 and claimed Injury Benefit which was awarded and paid.

It is standard procedure that customers claiming Injury Benefit and Illness Benefit are routinely referred for a medical assessment by a Medical Assessor of this Department following which their cases are reviewed by a Deciding Officer.

In this case the person concerned has already been assessed by a Medical Assessor twice and on both occasions the Medical Assessor’s opinion was that he is capable of work. However, the Deciding Officer, while reviewing the case, noted that both of his assessments were conducted by the same Medical Assessor and arrangements have been made for him to be examined by a different Medical Assessor.

If, on further review, he continues to be considered capable of work he will have the option to appeal this decision to the independent Social Welfare Appeals Office. If he is deemed not capable of work payment of his Illness Benefit will be reinstated and backdated to May 2017 when it was suspended.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.