Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 20 March 2013
318. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will advise of the success of the partial capacity benefit scheme; the number of persons who have accessed the benefit; the number of persons who have returned to the workplace as a result; the savings it has made to the Exchequer since its establishment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13757/13]
View answerPartial capacity benefit (PCB), which I introduced in February 2012, provides an opportunity for people with disabilities, to avail of employment opportunities while continuing to receive an income support payment from the Department.
The scheme is designed to facilitate greater levels of participation by people with disabilities in the open labour market – to date nearly 1,100 people have been awarded PCB - and I am satisfied that as the scheme continues to develop, it will make a positive contribution to the personal wellbeing of those participating, while the Exchequer will also benefit through the payment of income tax and social insurance.
I can assure the Deputy that the Department will continue to keep the scheme under review.
