asked the Minister for Social Welfare why a person (details supplied) in County Meath has not been paid disability benefit in respect of sickness from 19 November 1980 to 9 March 1981; and when he will be paid.
Written Answers. - Disability Benefit Payment.
350.
Minister for Social Welfare (Dr. Woods)
The person concerned claimed disability benefit from 20 November 1980 but was not qualified for payment at the time as, according to the records of my Department, he had not the necessary required minimum of 26 contributions paid since his entry into insurance. Following inquiries locally and in Northern Ireland it has been established that he has sufficient weeks of insurable employment to qualify him for benefit. Payment of all disability benefit and pay-related benefit due, less refund of supplementary welfare allowance advanced by the health board, has been made to 21 March 1981. If he has remained incapable of work after that date payment will be made if he submits covering medical evidence.