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

The person concerned was paid disability benefit to 10 February 1981 after which date payment was refused on the grounds that he was considered not incapable of work by a medical referee of the Department.

He appealed against the disallowance of benefit and was examined on 14 May 1981 by a different medical referee who also expressed the opinion that he was not incapable of work. The case has been referred to an appeals officer for determination and arrangements are being made to have an oral hearing of his claim at an early date. When the result of the appeal is received his claim will be reviewed.

13.