Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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238. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if she will address a matter regarding the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48322/19]

Regina Doherty (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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The person referred to by the Deputy (details supplied) was medically assessed for eligibility for Occupational Injuries Benefit by one of the Department's Medical Assessors on 1st February 2019 at which the Medical Assessor determined that the medical evidence indicated the person was capable of other lighter category work. The case was reviewed on 30th July 2019 at which a different Medical Assessor in the Department having reviewed all current and previous available medical evidence, determined the person was still not incapacitated from all categories of work.

I am advised that in assessing the claim, the Medical Assessors have cognisance of the occupation of the client as Kitchen Hygiene Manager/Kitchen Porter Supervisor and agree with the Occupational Health Physician that the current job is not suitable for the person in view of his medical condition, however, the medical condition should not preclude the client from other lighter categories of work within the organisation.

In regards to the medical appointment, the amount of time given by a Medical Assessor to a customer at an assessment in-person may vary from case to case, depending on the volume of medical evidence to be assessed and the level of complexity involved with the case. The case was reviewed by the Chief Medical Officer and given the volume, content and detail in the Medical Assessor’s report of the 1st February 2019, I am advised that it is unlikely that the case could have been completed in 10 minutes.

I hope this clarifies the queries for the Deputy.