Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 137: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if she is satisfied that the guidelines in place for recipients of invalidity pension are sufficient; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18719/08]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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Guidelines detailing circumstances that may affect ongoing entitlement to invalidity pension and conditions to be observed for customers claiming or receiving the pension are forwarded to customers in advance of the award of invalidity pension claims, and a signed declaration acknowledging observation of these guidelines must be returned to my Department prior to the award of payment. These Guidelines are also issued with the notification of the award of payment.

Similar guidelines are printed at the back of the Personal Payable Order Book as a reminder for customers whose pension is paid by this payment method. Customers who receive payment by electronic methods are contacted annually by post and this communication also includes the previously mentioned guidelines.

More detailed information on invalidity pension is available from the Department's information leaflet on invalidity pension, SW 44 and the Freedom Of Information Guidelines on invalidity pension both of which may be accessed via the Department's internet site at www.welfare.ie or from the Department's Local Office network or by telephoning the Department's Information Services at LoCall 1890 66 22 44.

The guidelines issued by my Department on invalidity pension are detailed and comprehensive and are kept under constant review in order to improve the information provided to our Customers. However, if the Deputy is aware of a specific information deficit with regard to invalidity pension I will be happy to pass on the details to the relevant area of the Department and have the matter rectified.