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

The person concerned did not qualify for unemployment benefit on the basis of his Irish contribution record. He was, however, employed for many years in the United Kingdom and in accordance with the provisions of the EEC regulations, particulars of his contribution record were requested from the Department of Health and Social Security, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, to enable his entitlement to be determined.

Because of industrial action by staff at the Department of Health and Social Security, the relevant contribution record was not furnished until recently. The claim has been authorised and the claimant has been advised to call to the local office at Dungarvan to collect the arrears due to him.