Occupational injury and benefit eligibility
Wyse challenged how disability benefit and occupational injury benefit reductions could leave disabled people without support, disputing the Minister’s assurance that pensioners would not lose their pension. The Chair ruled that the exchange had become statements and moved to the next question.
The scheme will have to be reviewed by the Minister. Is the Minister aware that a person on DB, plus occupational injury benefit, over a period may have their benefit reduced until they reach about 3 per cent when they will be paid off completely? Is the Minister aware that such unfortunate people may be suffering from a disability because of an occupational injury? It appears that such people will lose their invalidity pension.
Comment on this
That is a separate question but I should like to inform the Deputy that those who have a pension will not lose it. This is a question about the qualificational conditions for a pension.
Comment on this
I must dispute that statement. Such people are removed on the basis that they are capable of work and, therefore, are not entitled to disability benefit, or unemployment benefit if they do not have five years stamps. Those people will suffer. I am afraid the Minister will have to review it now in view——
