Willie Penrose (Longford-Westmeath, Labour)
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359. To ask the Minister for Social Protection when arrears in respect of illness benefit will be paid to a person (details supplied) who was awarded same at a social welfare appeals meeting the result of which was conveyed to the person on 24 February 2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24735/17]

Finian McGrath (Dublin Bay North, Independent)
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Illness Benefit is a payment for persons who are unable to work due to illness and who satisfy certain PRSI contribution conditions. During the course of a claim a person can be referred for examination by one of my Department’s Medical Assessors to ensure that the conditions for receipt of the payment continue to be satisfied.

Illness Benefit was disallowed in respect of the period from 1 March 2015 to 8 March 2016 as it was held that it had not been proven that the person concerned was incapable of work. The person concerned had failed to attend a medical examination with one of my Department’s Medical Assessors. The decision was appealed and, following a reviseddecision by the independent Appeals Office, the appeal has been allowed. Arrears due will be issued this week.

The Department regrets the delay in the payment of the arrears.