Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 181: To ask the Minister for Social Protection if he will provide the full details of the partial capacity scheme; the rules and guidelines pertaining to same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1895/11]

Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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The Social Welfare (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 2011, includes provisions which will facilitate the introduction in 2011 of a Partial Capacity Benefit scheme.

The scheme will provide an opportunity for people with disabilities, and assessed to have an employment capacity which is restricted when compared to the norm, to avail of employment opportunities while continuing to receive an income support payment. It recognises that the current structure of the welfare system, which categorises people only as 'fit to work' or 'unfit to work', does not reflect the reality for many existing welfare customers.

The scheme will be open to people who are in receipt of Invalidity Pension (IP) or who have been in receipt of Illness Benefit (IB) for a minimum of six months. Participation in the scheme will be voluntary and the scheme is designed in particular to respond to the needs of people who currently seek to avail of 'exemptions' in order to take up employment opportunities. The limitations on hours worked which apply under the existing 'exemptions' arrangements will not apply to the new scheme.

Under the terms of the legislation and the forthcoming consequent regulations, it is envisaged that IP and IB customers who wish to avail of employment opportunities will be required to undertake a partial capacity assessment by a Medical Assessor. On the basis of this assessment of their employment capacity, their personal-rate payment may be adjusted. Any reduction in payment rates will be applied to the personal rate only and increases paid in respect of qualified adults and/or children will not be affected.

Prior to the commencement of the scheme, it will be necessary to introduce Regulations to provide for a number of aspects of the scheme, including the specific manner in which partial capacity will be determined. In addition, it will be necessary to provide training to the Department's Medical Assessors in order to ensure the consistent application of these Regulations. Other operational measures, notably in relation to the development of the necessary Information Technology systems to cater for the scheme as well as the preparation of guidelines, are also now being addressed by the Department, with a view to introducing the scheme at the earliest possible date.