asked the Minister for Social Welfare if the occupational injury benefit due to a person (details supplied) in County Galway will be paid immediately; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

The person concerned claimed injury benefit in respect of an accident at work on 6 April 1981.

Payment of disability benefit was made on an interim basis from 10 April 1981, fourth day of incapacity, pending inquiries as to the nature and origin of the incapacity. On completion of those inquiries payment of injury benefit was allowed from the commencement of the claim. As however, payment of injury benefit is limited to 26 weeks, payment ceased on 3 October 1981, but payment of disability benefit at the maximum appropriate rate has been made from that date. All injury benefit, disability benefit and pay-related benefit due to 7 November 1981 has issued.

It is exceptional for me to ask a question like this, but I am putting a query about cases of occupational injury. Is there not another way to investigate claims so that there could be speedy determination? I would add that I would not dare to do what Deputy Donnellan is doing today. He is responsible for the remaining questions on the first page of the Order Paper. I write to the Department to query such matters rather than waste the time of the House.

Benefit was claimed on 7 April 1981 following an accident on 6 April. Disability benefit on an interim basis was paid on 10 April at the rate of £54.25 and from 4 May at £69.65. He was also paid PRB from 16 April which meant he had continuing payments. I do not have the date of the completion of the inquiries——

The Minister understood the point I made.

2.