asked the Minister for Social Welfare why a person who has been sending in certificates regularly since 16 March 1981 has not yet received occupational injuries benefit.

The person concerned claimed occupational injury benefit in respect of an accident at work on 16 March 1981. There is no record however of the receipt of medical evidence of incapacity in my Department until October. Before a decision could be given on his entitlement to payment it was necessary to make inquiries as to the nature and origin of the incapacity. On completion of the inquiries it was accepted that the incapacity was due to an accident at work and the claim was allowed. Payment of injury benefit has been made for the full statutory period of 26 weeks from the date of the accident on 16 March to 12 September 1981. As he is over 66 years of age, he is not entitled to disability benefit after the expiration of that period.

12.