978 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when an interim injury allowance will be payable to a person (details supplied), as recommended by the Ombudsman, subject to review pending settlement of a claim for injury as a result of an occupational injury visited upon the person whilst on duty; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15416/07]

1019 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will examine the case of a person (details supplied) in County Waterford, an employee of Waterford city fire brigade who was injured while travelling to a fire and who lost a lower limb as a result; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14736/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 978 and 1019 together.

An application for sanction to pay an injury grant to the person concerned was received by my Department in February 2007. This has been examined, in consultation, as necessary, with the local authority and the Department of Social and Family Affairs, and I expect that a decision will be made within the next two weeks.