asked the Minister for Social Welfare when unemployment benefit will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Mayo as she has been signing since 7 September 1982.

The person concerned was not qualified for unemployment benefit on the basis of her Irish contribution record.

Following the completion of inquiries to establish that she had resumed employment in this country and that the class of contributions paid provided cover against unemployment her United Kingdom contribution record was requested from the Department of Health and Social Security. This was to enable her entitlement to unemployment benefit to be determined on the basis of her United Kingdom contributions in accordance with the provisions of EEC regulations.

Following the receipt of the record her unemployment benefit claim was allowed at the maximum rate payable to her £27.80 a week. All arrears due were paid to her on 25 March 1983.

Her entitlement to pay-related benefit recently was determined and all arrears due were paid to her on 19 May 1983. Further weekly payments of £34.90 including £7.10 pay-related benefit will continue to be made as they become due.

Why was there such a considerable delay before deciding on the claim?

We had to go to the Department of Social Security in England. They issued a certificate which did not qualify her. It had to go back to England again and they issued a statement which brought her into entitlement. The delay was because of the correspondence.

Can the Minister say when the Department of Social Security issued the correct certificate?

I have not got the date.

Perhaps the Minister would let me have that information.

I will.