Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 20 September 2023
630. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Social Protection if she intends to include fibromyalgia as a recognised long-term illness condition for social protection purposes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39894/23]
View answerThe Department of Social Protection provides a suite of income supports for those who are unable to work due to illness or disability. Entitlement to these supports is generally not contingent on the nature of the illness but on the extent to which a particular illness impairs or restricts a person’s capacity to work.
My Department does not distinguish in relation to illnesses. Every application for the Department's schemes are individually assessed, in line with the provisions specified in the relevant social welfare legislation. Assessment is based on the medical information provided by healthcare providers and the claimant and taking into account the opinion of the Department’s Medical Assessor.
I trust that this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
