asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reasons for the delay in repaying social welfare contributions to persons (names supplied) employed as meter readers with the ESB in Kilkenny.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers - Social Welfare Contributions.
44.
The application for repayment of social welfare contributions in respect of the two persons referred to in the Deputy's question was received on 5th April, 1972. Before a refund of contributions paid in error can be made, it is necessary to compute the amount, if any, of benefit paid on the basis of the invalidated contributions and to reduce the refund accordingly. This has been completed in respect of one of the applicants and a payable order for the net amount of the refund has now been issued.
In the second case, which necessitates examining records going back to 1965 inquiries are still proceeding, and it is hoped to have these completed shortly.
I made representations about these people two years ago. I cannot understand where the Minister got his information. I made personal representations about this and I was told by the Department that this payment would be made immediately. Will the Minister check his information?
I will.