Department for Social Development to take over dust diseases claims scheme

Responsibility for payments under the pneumoconiosis scheme will, next week, transfer from the Department for Employment and Learning (DEL) to the Department for Social Development (DSD).

Under the scheme, lump sum payments may be made to people, or their dependants, if they were disabled by asbestosis or other prescribed dust related diseases as a result of their work.

The decision to transfer responsibility for the scheme was taken in order to make the system easier for claimants and follows similar moves in Great Britain.  While responsibility for the Northern Ireland scheme had always rested with DEL, the Social Security Agency, a DSD executive agency, had a key role in its administration as applicants to the scheme must have been awarded Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit, which is one of the conditions of entitlement.

A DSD spokesperson said that the transfer would: “simplify the administration of the scheme”.

From 28 May 2006 anyone wishing to make a claim under the scheme may request a claim form from Industrial Injuries Branch, Social Security Agency, Castle Court, Royal Avenue, Belfast, BT1 1SB.  Telephone 028 9033 6000.

NOTES TO EDITORS:

  1. The transfer of the scheme was effected by The Departments (Transfer of Functions) Order (Northern Ireland) 2006 (S.R. 2006 No. 192).  Copies can be obtained from The Stationery Office, 16 Arthur Street, Belfast, BT1 4GD, priced £3.00, or online at: http://www.opsi.gov.uk/Sr/sr2006/20060192.htm external link
  2. The Northern Ireland scheme is relatively small, comprising an average of 13 applications per year, of which approximately half a dozen are successful, with an average payment of about £13,000 to each successful claimant.  The average annual cost of claims over the past five years has been around £86,000.
  3. The Departments (Transfer of Functions) Order (Northern Ireland) 2006 also transfers responsibility for Home Loss Payments Regulations from the Department of the Environment to the Department for Social Development.
  4. For media enquiries, please contact the DSD Press Office on
    028 9082 9497.