asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he received a letter dated 9 August 1987 from a person (details supplied) in County Dublin, the response which has been given to the letter and whether the application for benefit has now been met; if not, the reason; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Social Welfare Benefits.
130.
A letter dated 9 August 1987, in connection with a dental benefit claim, was received from the person concerned. The letter was acknowledged and has been receiving attention. The position is that the person concerned was employed by a British company from August 1983 to November 1985 and, although he worked in this country, social insurance contributions deducted from his salary were paid to the British Department of Health and Social Security.
On receipt of his claim to dental benefit his social insurance position was investigated and it was decided that under EEC regulations his employment was insurable under the social welfare Acts. The British Department of Health and Social Security stated that it was not possible to transfer the contributions paid to them directly to the Department of Social Welfare and that the contributions would be refunded to the employers concerned. The question of collecting PRSI contributions due under the social welfare Acts is being pursued with the employers.
In view, however, of the particular circumstances of this case pending completion of the inquiries, it has now been decided to treat the contributions as having been paid under the social welfare Acts and to approve the dental benefit claim. Both the person concerned and the dentist have been notified accordingly.