Seanad debates
Tuesday, 25 March 2003
Social Welfare (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2003: Second Stage (Resumed).
With regard to why people might be on disability allowance for a long period and not automatically entitled to invalidity pension, that pension has previously involved a definitive decision whereas disability benefit does not. I am concerned about the message we might give out to people who have a difficulty over a certain period, be it with depression or an injury. We should not say to them that they are being slotted into permanent disability through the invalidity pension scheme. Even if there is a change in the Department in that those on invalidity pension have been given an opportunity to have therapeutic work – which is to try to encourage people back into the workforce – I would have concerns with regard to changing disability benefit so that people would automatically move to invalidity pension after one year. It gives out the wrong message.
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