asked the Minister for Social Welfare why a person (details supplied) in County Cavan has been deprived of disability benefit.
Written Answers. - Social Welfare Benefits.
69.
The claim for disability benefit by the person referred to by the Deputy was disallowed from 25th April, 1977 following his examination by a medical referee who expressed the opinion that he was capable of work. He appealed against the decision disallowing his claim and in connection with his appeal another examination by a different medical referee has been arranged for 12th May, 1977. His claim for benefit will be reviewed in the light of the medical referee's report on this further examination.
70.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when maternity benefit will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Meath; and the inquiries that have been made by his Department to ascertain if the applicant has sufficient contributions or credits.
One of the contribution conditions to be satisfied in order to qualify for maternity grant is that not less than 26 employment contributions have been paid or credited in either of the two contribution years preceding the date of the confinement which in this case were the years 1975 and 1976. As this condition was not satisfied on the insurance of the claimant's husband a maternity grant is not payable on his insurance. The claimant's husband was employed in the years in question but employment contributions were not paid and my Department are taking action to secure payment of the outstanding contributions from his employer. As, however, these contributions were not paid at the due dates and as the employee was partly responsible for this by neglecting to present an insurance card to his employer, they are not reckonable for the purpose of any claim arising before the date on which the contributions are paid.
71.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a decision will be made on the appeal for disability benefit by a person (details supplied) in County Meath who is still attending a specialist who will not allow her to return to work.
The appeal against the disallowance of her disability benefit claim by the person referred to by the Deputy will be decided following an oral hearing which will be arranged within the next few weeks.