Rose Conway-Walsh (Mayo, Sinn Fein)
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1082. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if recipients of invalidity pensions are required to go on partial capacity benefit in order to take up a PhD; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20882/22]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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Invalidity pension (IP) is a payment for people who are permanently incapable of work because of illness or incapacity and for no other reason who satisfy the pay related social insurance (PRSI) contribution conditions. 

Partial Capacity Benefit (PCB) is a payment which allows certain categories of people to return to work (if they have reduced capacity to work)  and continue to receive a payment from the Department.

Individuals can commence courses of study including a PhD provided all conditions for IP continue to be met including the condition that the participant must not be working.  Claimants should notify the IP scheme area before commencing the course of study.

If the course of study does involve a work placement element, the participant can apply for PCB in order to undertake the work element of the course being undertaken.  They must apply to transfer over to PCB before the work commences.  The person involved can revert to Invalidity Pension once the work placement has finished.

I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.