Disabled man denied welfare for two years

MISERLY social welfare officials denied a young disabled man his welfare payments for almost two years because he had to leave the country for specialist care not available in Ireland.

His mother handed back her son’s payment book in accordance with rules that say a welfare recipient must live in the state, but was not told that an exception could be made in his case.

The Department of Social Welfare ignored a senior government minister, a minister of state and a local TD who pleaded the young man’s case when he became aware of his entitlements and sought payment of the back money owed to him.