asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he is now prepared to reinstate the entitlement of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 22 for disability benefit; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Social Welfare Benefit.
166.
Prior to January 1988, where a person had less than 208 contributions paid since entry into insurable employment, entitlement to disability benefit was limited to 52 weeks.
It appeared from the records of the Department that the person concerned had only 109 contributions paid on her behalf since entry into insurance. Therefore, she was only paid disability benefit from 7 April 1986 to 8 April 1987 after which date she was considered to have exhausted her 52 week entitlement.
It subsequently transpired that the person concerned had more contributions paid under her old insurance number and that she therefore had more than 208 contributions paid. Accordingly, she is qualified for payment of benefit beyond 8 April 1987 and arrears of disability benefit payable from 9 April 1987 to 18 January 1988, the date of the latest medical certificate received in the Department, have been issued.
Disability benefit will continue to issue to the person concerned on receipt of medical evidence of incapacity for work for as long as she remains incapable of work.