Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 42: To ask the Minister for Social Protection if she will make a statement elaborating on and updating her plans to introduce a partial capacity scheme. [21323/11]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The legislative basis which provides for the introduction of the Partial Capacity scheme is contained in the Social Welfare (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 2010, which was enacted by the Oireachtas in December 2010. A programme of work is currently underway to cater for the new scheme. This includes the preparation of Regulations, as required by legislation, which will set out the rates of payment which will apply to those who avail of the scheme; and the finalisation of the medical criteria against which partial employment capacity will be assessed; and the development of the necessary processes and information technology systems to process, record and pay applicants.

Every effort is being made to complete these necessary steps to allow for the formal introduction of the scheme at the earliest possible date. At this stage, I envisage that the Regulations will be introduced in the Autumn of this year and that the scheme will be formally introduced before the end of the year.

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

Questions Nos. 43 and 44 answered with Question No. 34.