Willie O'Dea (Limerick City, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

First, will the Minister reiterate the figures? It is €1.5 million this year for the introduction of invalidity pension for the self-employed in December. I think he mentioned €23 million next year and then €28 million. He might clarify that. I appreciate the fact that, for the first time, the self-employed will benefit by way of getting invalidity pension without a means test as and from December. Could the Minister give us some idea of the criteria that will apply? He stated that 1,400 people will qualify based on contributions paid so obviously he has worked out the contributions system. Will it be the same as that for employees?

Second, one of the criteria for getting an invalidity pension is that the person must be deemed to be permanently incapacitated. Many self-employed people, through injury, temporary illness or otherwise, become temporarily incapacitated; they are not permanently incapacitated. In such a case an employee can avail of illness benefit. What will be the position for the self-employed when invalidity pension is introduced for them?

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