(Clare) asked the Minister for Local Government and Public Health if he will state why disablement benefit under the National Health Insurance Acts was withheld from 15th January, 1936, to March, 1936, from Martin Skerritt (Ref. E.5624/36), 39 Connolly Villas, Ennis, County Clare, notwithstanding the fact that doctor's certificates were sent to the Unified Insurance Society covering the period.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Disablement Benefit Claim.
Mr. Hogan
Mr. Skerritt was paid sickness benefit for the statutory period of 26 weeks up to the 15th January, 1936, but as less than 104 weekly contributions had then been paid he was not entitled to disablement benefit in accordance with the provisions of the Acts. The society states that the qualifying contributions were not paid until the 30th March, 1936, from which date disablement benefit was paid. No benefit is payable for the period 16th January to 29th March.
An insured person in respect of whom less than 104 contributions have been paid is entitled to make payment sufficient to bring the number up to 104, provided that he proves to the society that he is ordinarily and mainly dependent for his livelihood on his earnings from employment within the meaning of the National Health Insurance Acts, and, if his unemployment arises from incapacity for work due to a specific disease or disablement, he also proves that such disease or disablement is not a recurrence or continuance of a disease or disablement from which he may have suffered within the 12 months immediately preceding the date of his entry into insurance.
In the investigations necessary to establish Mr. Skerritt's title to pay the additional contributions, the society ascertained that he had a pension from the British Army, which fact prolonged the inquiries. His recent entry into insurance in September, 1932, also required investigation as to possible insurable employment prior thereto. The society was not in a position to determine his right to pay the additional contributions until the 27th March, 1936.
Mr. Hogan
Does the Minister consider from January 15th to March 30th a reasonable length of time to occupy in making a certain number of inquiries, which could well be made and discoveries effected in a week? Will the Minister look into the file personally?
I shall.