Illness Benefit Eligibility

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 16 May 2013

Thursday, 16 May 2013

Questions (164, 165, 167)

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

164. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Social Protection if narcolepsy can be recognised as a disability as requested by SOUND to ensure that its members cannot be discriminated against in the work place and that they are entitled to a disability allowance in the event that they are dismissed, given that their diminished ability to work prevents them from adequately supporting themselves in the future; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23479/13]

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

165. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Social Protection if narcolepsy can be recognised as a disability as requested by SOUND to ensure that its members cannot be discriminated against in the work place and whether they are entitled to a disability allowance in the event that they are dismissed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23481/13]

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

167. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Social Protection her views on whether rapid access to carer’s allowance and domiciliary care allowance should be granted for those parents have had to give up or reduce employment hours to become carers for their child or children suffering from narcolepsy; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23539/13]

Written answers

Minister for Social Protection

I propose to take Questions Nos. 164, 165 and 167 together.

I wish to reassure the Deputy that narcolepsy is recognised as a clinical entity. However, eligibility on medical conditions, for any illness-related benefit/allowance will depend on the severity and expected duration of the condition, and in the case of carers the care requirements. All applications are assessed on a claim-by-claim basis.