Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick, Fine Gael)
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Question 151: To ask the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding the enactment of the partial capacity benefit scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8661/12]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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I am pleased to advise the Deputy that the Partial Capacity Benefit scheme was formally launched on Monday, 13 February 2012. Full details of the scheme have been published on the Department's website.

The Partial Capacity Benefit scheme is 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 is voluntary and the scheme is designed in particular to respond to the needs of people who have sought to avail of 'exemptions' in order to take up employment opportunities. The limitations on hours worked which applied under the 'exemptions' arrangements do not apply to the new scheme.

The introduction of the Partial Capacity scheme marks an important positive development of the social welfare system. The scheme recognises that the welfare system, which categorised people as 'fit to work' or 'unfit to work', did not reflect the reality for many existing welfare customers. It provides 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.