asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason for the delay in the payment of disability benefit to a person (details supplied) in County Louth.
Written Answers. - Social Welfare Benefit.
67.
The person concerned was paid disability benefit from 13 October 1987 to 13 October 1988 after which date payment was disallowed because her contribution record was sufficient only for 52 weeks payment.
In order to qualify for payment of disability benefit, a claimant must have at least 39 contributions paid or credited in the contribution year governing her claim. The contribution year governing her claim from 14 October 1988 is 1986-1987. According to the records of my Department she has only 30 contributions paid at the appropriate class in this year and therefore does not qualify for payment from this date.
68.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if it is the Government's intention to reduce child benefit in the forthcoming budget; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The measures to be taken by the Government in the social welfare area next year will be discussed over the coming weeks in the context of the preparation of the 1989 budget. No decisions have yet been taken on any aspect of these measures. The Estimates for 1989 which were recently published provide for the continued payment of child benefit on the same basis as heretofore.