asked the Minister for Social Welfare why an applicant (name supplied) from County Cavan was not allowed sickness benefit from 21st July 1975 when he suffered cardiac failure.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Sickness Benefit.
21.
The person referred to by the Deputy claimed disability benefit from 21st July, 1975. He was not entitled to benefit as, according to the records of my Department, he had no contributions in the 1974 contribution year which governs his claim. As he stated that he had worked in Northern Ireland, his insurance record for 1974 was sought from the Northern Ireland Ministry. This record was furnished on 21st August, 1975 but was insufficient to qualify the claimant for benefit. The claimant was so informed and he then indicated that he had had a second insurance card for part of the year 1974 which he had surrendered to a local office in Northern Ireland in August, 1975. On investigation, this was confirmed by the Northern authorities and as a result, the claimant qualified for benefit, payment of which was issued to him on 29th October, 1975.