asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he is aware of delays in payments of disability and other social welfare benefits arising out of the Blackrock postal dispute; and, in view of the hardship caused by the delay to pensioners in the Blackrock postal district, he will make alternative arrangements to ensure that the allowances will be paid regularly.
Written Answers. - Social Welfare Benefit Payments.
417.
My Department had the position in regard to payment of social welfare benefits, allowances and pensions in the Blackrock area under constant surveillance during the course of the recent dispute there. Where necessary, alternative arrangements for payment were made. I can assure the Deputy that the number of complaints of non-payment received was minimal.
418.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare why disability benefit has not been paid to a person (name supplied) in County Offaly.
The claim for disability benefit by the person referred to by the Deputy was disallowed following examination by a medical referee of the Department who was of opinion that the claimant was capable of work. The claimant appealed against the disallowance of benefit and his appeal was allowed by an appeals officer on 11 April 1978. A cheque in payment of all benefit due has since been issued.