Invalidity Pension (IP) is a payment for people who are permanently incapable of work because of illness or incapacity and who satisfy the pay related social contribution (PRSI) conditions.
A person in receipt of IP cannot engage in work. However, with prior written permission from the Department, a person may undertake light work for which no remuneration is or would ordinarily be payable.
Should a person in receipt of IP wish to take up or resume open labour market employment, they may qualify for Partial Capacity Benefit, a social welfare scheme which allows a person to return to work or self-employment (if they have reduced capacity to work) and continue to receive a payment from the Department.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.