asked the Minister for Social Welfare the action she is taking to ensure that disability benefit will be paid to applicants as benefit has not been paid in some cases since 1 January 1981.

Every effort is made by my Department to ensure that payment of disability benefit is made promptly to all claimants who are entitled to payment. While there was some delay in payment in certain cases earlier this year, the position has been back to normal for some time and, except where inquiries are necessary to establish entitlement, payments are being made without delay.

I am not aware of any instance in which disability benefit has not been paid to qualified claimants since January 1981. If, however, the Deputy has information about any such case, I will have the matter investigated immediately and I will let him know the result if he will furnish the name, address and RSI number of the person concerned.

39.