Written answers
Thursday, 18 May 2017
Department of Social Protection
Invalidity Pension Eligibility
Séamus Healy (Tipperary, Workers and Unemployed Action Group)
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166. To ask the Minister for Social Protection when self-employed persons can claim invalidity pensions as announced in budget 2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23811/17]
Finian McGrath (Dublin Bay North, Independent)
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In line with the commitment contained in the Programme for Government for an improved PRSI scheme for the self-employed, I announced, as part of Budget 2017, the extension of cover for Invalidity Pension to the self-employed on the same basis as employees. This measure will have effect from December 2017.
This is a major reform as, for the first time, self-employed people will have access to the safety net of State income supports, without having to go through a means test, if they become permanently incapable of work as a result of an illness or disability.
Furthermore, since March 2017, self-employed people now have access to the treatment benefit scheme which includes free eye and dental examinations, and contributions towards the cost of hearing aids.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
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