asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a decision will be made regarding the claim for disability benefit by a person (name supplied) in County Kildare who first applied in April, 1976, continued to send in medical certificates until July, 1976, and on three different occasions at his request supplied information regarding Irish and English social welfare contributions.
Written Answers. - Disability Benefit.
89.
The person referred to by the Deputy claimed disability benefit from 13th April, 1976, to 22nd July, 1976. Benefit was not payable as she did not satisfy the contribution condition which requires that not less than 26 contributions have been paid or credited in the governing contribution year from July, 1974, to June, 1975. The claimant was employed in this country for only 13 weeks from 10th April, 1975, in that period. Prior to that date she had been employed in England and inquiries made to the Department of Health and Social Security there disclosed that she opted not to pay the ordinary rate of contribution under the United Kingdom Scheme. Consequently, there were no contributions paid in respect of her employment in England which could be taken into account for the purpose of her disability benefit claim here.
90.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if it is now the usual procedure to have a second medical opinion regarding disability benefit claims; if he is aware that in a particular case (details supplied) in County Meath the person concerned is married and has seven children and his claim to disability benefit is being held up pending a second medical referee's opinion and that the delay in paying benefit is causing hardship to the family; and if he will consider paying disability benefit until the medical referee gives his opinion.
The person referred to by the Deputy was examined on 1st September, 1976, by a medical referee who expressed the opinion that he was capable of work. His own medical certifier certified him as fit to resume work on 13th September, 1976, and payment of disability benefit ceased as from that date.
The person concerned made a repeat claim for disability benefit from 4th October, 1976, on a medical certificate certifying the same ailment as that on his previous claim. In these circumstances a further medical opinion is being sought before deciding his claim. For this purpose an examination by a medical referee has been arranged for 1st November, 1976.