Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 27 Mar 2003

Vol. 563 No. 6

Written Answers - Social Welfare Benefits.

Pádraic McCormack

Question:

36 Mr. McCormack asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of people claiming disability benefit, disability allowance or invalidity pension on the basis of their mental incapacity in 2002; and the comparative figure for 2001. [8422/03]

Minister for Social and Family Affairs (Mary Coughlan)

The total number of customers claiming disability benefit, with certified incapacities which indicate the possible existence of mental illness, for the year ending 31 December 2002 was 11,244. The number on 31 December 2001 was 10,122.

The computer system currently used in the administration of disability allowance and invalidity pension does not have the facility at present to store information on types of illness for customers.