asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a woman (details supplied) in Galway will receive her maternity allowance.

The person concerned claimed maternity benefit in respect of her confinement on 17 December 1980. As, according to the records of my Department, she had less than the required minimum of 26 contributions paid since her entry into insurance, she was informed she was not entitled to payment. Following inquiries it has been established that she had additional insurable employment which had the effect of qualifying her for benefit. A cheque paying all maternity benefit due for the period 10 November 1980 to 31 January 1981 has been issued to her.

11.