Thomas Pringle (Donegal, Independent)
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55. To ask the Minister for Social Protection if persons on illness benefit from before 2009 prior to changes in criteria and who are on long-term illness benefit will be assessed under new guidelines and only be awarded benefit for a maximum of two years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7039/16]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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Illness benefit is an income support payment for people of working age who are unable to work due to illness and who satisfy certain social insurance conditions.

Since 5 January, 2009 new claims for illness benefit were limited to two years (or 624 days) duration. Prior to the introduction of these changes there was no limit on the amount of time for which illness benefit could be paid to people who had more than 260 social insurance contributions. These provisions continue to apply where a claim for illness benefit arose prior to 5 January 2009.

There are no plans to amend these provisions.