Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The invalidity pension is paid to people who are permanently incapable of work because of illness or disability. It is based on the claimant's social insurance contributions and medical conditions and is not means tested. Increases are payable for qualified adults and children. People in receipt of the invalidity pension are transferred to the contributory State pension when they reach the pensionable age.

I am aware many persons with a long-term illness or disability find the name derogatory and inappropriate. Although some may associate the term "pension" with older age, it is commonly associated with long-term payments throughout the European Union for the contingencies of invalidity or old age. The use of the term "invalidity" reflects the terminology used in the relevant EU directive. The rules for the co-ordination of invalidity benefits in the EU are provided in EC Regulation No. 883 of 2004 and invalidity benefits are a branch of social security co-ordinated under this regulation. The term "invalidity pension", therefore, is an instantly recognised term in respect of its purpose and what it covers in both an EU and domestic context. Invalidity benefits and pensions are generally provided where an insured person suffers incapacity for work leading to permanent invalidity. It is difficult to find a term that will continue to be acceptable to everyone over the passage of time. While I will certainly look into the matter, there seem to be very good reasons for calling it by that name.