asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will arrange to have disability benefit paid to a person in County Cork (details supplied).
Written Answers. - County Cork Social Welfare Payments.
288.
Payment of disability benefit due from 2nd June, 1975, was issued on 25th June, 1975, to the person concerned. Benefit was not payable in respect of the period of the claim prior to 2nd June, 1975, as the claimant had less than the minimum number of contributions in the contribution year governing that period of the claim.
289.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will now arrange to have unemployment assistance or benefit paid to a person in County Cork (name supplied).
It was decided by a deciding officer that unemployment benefit was not payable on the claim made by the person concerned on 5th June, 1975, on the ground that the claimant did not satisfy the contribution condition which requires that not less than 26 employment contributions have been paid or credited in respect of him in the 1974 contribution year. Information which has come to hand indicates that the claimant may be entitled to further credited contributions for the 1974 insurance year in respect of periods of training by An Chomhairle Oiliúna. Inquiries in the matter are proceeding and it is hoped to have these concluded in a few days. The claim for unemployment benefit will be reviewed in the light of the results. The person concerned did not apply for a qualification certificate for unemployment assistance purposes although advised to do so.
290.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will now arrange to have a contributory old age pension paid to a person in County Cork (name supplied).
The person concerned claimed and is receiving retirement pension from my Department with effect from 25th July, 1974. His position in regard to old age contributory pension has been examined, and it has been ascertained that on his insurance record he would qualify for this pension at the rate of £16.95 a week, which is the rate of retirement pension he is at present receiving. It is, accordingly, of no advantage to him to transfer to old age contributory pension.