198. Deputy Tony McLoughlin asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the reason for the long delay in processing an application for illness benefit by a person (details supplied); when this decision will be made; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43715/19]

I am advised that the person concerned made an error in her personal data when completing her IB1 application form, which caused some delay in processing her Illness Benefit application.

The application has been processed now,  and the person concerned has been awarded Illness Benefit at the graduated rate of €91.10 per week. She is currently medically certified until the 16th October 2019, and all arrears due to her have issued to her bank account.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.