asked the Minister for Social Welfare why a decision has not yet been made on the application of a person (name supplied) for disability benefit.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Disability Benefit
42.
In the reply of 3rd December, 1970, to the Deputy's previous question in this matter it was indicated that the insured person would be entitled to disability benefit in the benefit year commencing 7th December, 1970, if she continued to be incapable of work.
A medical certificate of incapacity for work covering the period subsequent to 7th December, 1970, was not received in my Department until 8th January, 1971, and a cheque covering all disability benefit due up to 9th January, 1971, was issued to the claimant on 14th January, 1971. A further cheque for the benefit due up to 19th January, 1971, the date covered by the latest medical certificate received, was issued on 21st January, 1971.
Would the Minister say when this lady can expect to get a decision on her application which has been considered for about ten months? The only point at issue is whether a few hours work which she did for a convent was voluntary work or paid work. The reverend mother who asked her to do the work has since died. In view of the fact that this lady has children to support surely a decision should be made. The Parliamentary Secretary when he has time might get around to answering my letter, because if he had answered it already I would not have needed to put this question down today.
A decision has been taken on the case.
No, it has not.
I told the Deputy in my previous answer to his question that she would become entitled as from the 7th December.
That only applies to her insurability after. The fact is that from early in February of last year she has been sending in certificates and a decision has not yet been made as to whether or not she is entitled to payment because she was accused of doing a couple of hours work at the request of a reverend mother of one of the local convents. The reverend mother has said she did not pay her but as she is dead she cannot give a sworn affidavit that the applicant was not paid for the work.
I shall look into the matter.