John Connolly (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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269. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if a person in receipt of the invalidity pension and approved for partial capacity benefit has their payment reduced immediately; if not, if it only reduced when the person commences employment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6824/25]

Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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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 and who satisfy the contribution conditions. People in receipt of IP cannot undertake any paid employment.

Partial Capacity Benefit (PCB) is a scheme which extends the Illness Benefit and IP schemes to recognise and respond to the reality that some people in receipt of these payments have a capacity to engage in employment while continuing to need to receive some income support from the State. Following a medical assessment, if a person’s disability is rated as moderate, severe or profound, their payment continues at 50%, 75% or 100% of their existing rate, respectively on the commencement of their new employment.

When conditions for PCB are satisfied a Permission to Work letter is issued to the customer confirming that they will transition onto PCB when they start work. They are also informed that that they will continue to receive their current rate or payment on IP up to the day before they commence work. PCB will only go into payment from the commencement date of their employment.

I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.