asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he is aware that a person (details supplied) in County Laois has forwarded 14 certificates to his Department in respect of a claim for disability benefit and that to date he has not received any payment; the reason payment has not issued; and if he will ensure that benefit will be paid promptly.

The person concerned claimed disability benefit from 1 December 1980. She was not, however, entitled to payment from that date to 3 January 1981 as she had less than the required minimum of 26 contributions paid in the 1978-79 contribution year which governed that period.

Her claim from 5 January 1981 is governed by her insurance record in the 1979-80 year. As she had a total of 40 contributions in the 1979-80 year, payment was made to 19 January 1981 after which date she ceased to submit medical certificates. Further medical evidence of incapacity for work has now been received and benefit has been paid to 8 May 1981.

The question of her entitlement to pay-related benefit is being investigated and any benefit due will issue without delay.

Why did from 16 to 18 weeks have to elapse before this problem was sorted out?

It was the computer.

In the first instance the person concerned was not entitled to payment up to January 1981 because she had fewer than the right number of contributions in 1978-79. Subsequently she had a total of 40 contributions in 1979-80 and consequently payment was made to 19 January, after which date she ceased to submit medical certificates. When further medical evidence of incapacity was received, benefit was paid.

27.