Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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1411. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if persons on illness benefit for a number of years prior to the two year limit being introduced go on partial capacity benefit but find they are unable to work and need to return to illness benefit, are put back on illness benefit on the same terms, that is, without the statutory two year limit; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18810/19]

Regina Doherty (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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Prior to 5 January 2009, a person who had paid a total of 260 or more social insurance contributions at the appropriate class, since entering employment, was entitled to receive payment of Illness Benefit for as long as that person is incapable of work and provides medical certification to that effect.

If such a person is approved for Partial Capacity Benefit and subsequently wishes to return to Illness Benefit, the same rules apply, meaning the person can continue to receive Illness Benefit for as long as they are medically incapable of work up to the age of 66.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.