asked the Minister for Social Welfare when disability benefit will be issued to a person (name supplied) in County Meath who has been sending in doctors' certificates since 10th November, 1973; and the reason for the delay in issuing the benefit.
Written Answers. - Disability Benefit Payment.
497.
The person referred to by the Deputy claimed disability benefit from 15th October, 1973. She is not qualified for payment of benefit as she does not satisfy the contribution condition which requires a claimant to have a minimum of 26 contributions in the contribution year governing the claim. She was so informed on 24th October. Inquiries disclosed that the claimant commenced employment in September, 1972 after a lapse of a number of years but her insurance card, stamped in respect of that employment, has not so far been surrendered to my Department. Further inquires are being made about this and on 28th January a written communication was sent to the claimant seeking additional information. A reply has not so far been received from the claimant and the matter is still under investigation. As soon as the investigations are completed, the claim to benefit will be reviewed.