asked the Minister for Social Welfare why a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath has not been paid disability benefit which is due since 2 March 1981.

The person concerned claimed disability benefit from 28 February 1981 and has been paid from 4 March, fourth day of incapacity, at the maximum appropriate rate. Payment of all disability benefit and pay-related benefit due has been made to 3 April. The delay in payment was due to the fact that he is quoting his insurance number, instead of his RSI number, on the medical certificates and this has resulted in difficulty in associating them with his claim.