Tom Neville (Limerick County, Fine Gael)
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587. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection when a self-employed person who is paying class S PRSI and who is now incapable of working will be able to apply for invalidity pension; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [49200/17]

Finian McGrath (Dublin Bay North, Independent)
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Self-employed workers will be eligible to apply for invalidity pension from 1 December 2017. This is a major reform as self-employed people could have access to income support without having to go through a means test, if they become permanently incapable of work as a result of an illness or disability. The Department has commenced a national radio and print media campaign to ensure that self-employed people are aware of this significant development and to provide details of how to apply.

Since March 2017, self-employed people have access to the treatment benefit scheme which includes free eye and dental exams, and contributions towards the cost of hearing aids. This measure benefits over 300,000 self-employed workers and their dependants. From October 2017, treatment benefit entitlements have been extended so as to provide further dental and optical benefits for both the self-employed and employees.

I hope that this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.