asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason for the delay in the payment of disability benefit to a person (details supplied) in County Carlow.

The person concerned has been claiming disability benefit since 3 July 1980 and payment was made on receipt of each medical certificate up to 15 November 1980. There is no record of the receipt of medical certificates between that date and 31 January 1981. She was, however, paid over the Christmas period in advance of certification under special arrangements for payment to long-term claimants at that time. Further payments have also been made to her up to 23 February 1981 on medical certificates now received which cover incapacity up to that date.

On this question——

Does the Deputy's question deal with an individual case or is it a general question?

It deals with an individual case. The Minister has stated medical certificates were not received. Did the claimant convey a message to the Department that medical certificates had been given? Were the medical certificates repeat certificates?

The lady in question had been claiming disability benefit since 3 July 1980 in respect of a slipped disc. Payment issued regularly each week on receipt of medical certificates up to 15 November 1980. There was no record of the receipt of medical certificates between 15 November and 31 January 1981. As I stated, payment was made in advance of certification up to 3 January under special arrangements.

The question I asked was——

No. The Deputy may not ask another question. I am calling Question No. 15.

I have been told that people are handing in medical certificates at the Department——

Will the Minister please reply to Question No. 15?

The general point is that they are handing in certificates——

I do not think that would apply in this case which relates to a long-term claimant.

I am asking the Minister to reply to Question No. 15.

15.