Peter Burke (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

707. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the status of a payment for a person (details supplied). [53088/19]

Regina Doherty (Meath East, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I am advised that the claim for maternity benefit from the person concerned was disallowed as she did not satisfy the contribution criteria.

To qualify for maternity benefit a woman must be in insurable employment that is covered by the Maternity Protection Act, 1994, immediately before the first day of maternity leave and must also fulfill the PRSI contribution criteria associated with the scheme.  In the twelve month period prior to the commencement of her maternity leave, (22-07-2018 to 22-07-2019) the person concerned has 31 Class A PRSI contributions (39 are required for maternity benefit).  The person also falls short on contributions paid and/or credited when the other potential qualification criteria are examined, covering a combination of the 2016, 2017 and 2018 years.

This case has been sent to the Social Welfare Appeals Office to adjudicate on her appeal against the decision to refuse the benefit. The Social Welfare Appeals Office have advised that they are due to issue a decision in the coming days.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.