asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reasons disability benefit has not been paid to a person (details supplied) in County Mayo.
Written Answers. - Disability Benefit.
200.
The person concerned submitted medical evidence of incapacity for the period from 19 July 1979 to 31 August 1979, inclusive. As, according to the records of my Department, she had not sufficient paid contributions to her credit, she was not entitled to payment at that time. Inquiries regarding her employment record subsequently established, however, that she had additional contributions in the 1979-80 contribution year which qualified her for benefit. Payment of disability benefit has now been made in respect of the period from 23 July 1979, the fourth day of incapacity to 31 August 1979, the date of the last medical certificate received in respect of that claim.
The only medical certificates received subsequently were two first certificates dated 30 October 1979 and 31 January 1980. No payment was due on these certificates as they only indicate that she was incapable of work on those dates.
She has since been requested to state the periods, if any, during which she was incapable of work subsequent to those dates and to submit medical evidence covering the full periods of incapacity on each occasion. On receipt of such evidence the question of payment of disability benefit will be considered.
She has also been requested to submit details of her earnings while employed so that her entitlement to pay-related benefit may be determined.