Long-Term Illness Scheme Coverage

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 2 November 2016

Wednesday, 2 November 2016

Ceisteanna (240)

Noel Rock

Ceist:

240. Deputy Noel Rock asked the Minister for Social Protection if fibromyalgia will be recognised under the long-term illness scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33051/16]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Social Protection

My Department provides a suite of income supports for those who are unable to work due to an illness or disability. Entitlement to these supports is not contingent on the nature of the illness but on the extent to which a particular illness or disability impairs or restricts a person’s capacity to work. In all cases a deciding officer of my Department makes a decision based on all the available evidence including supporting medical evidence supplied by the applicant and taking into account the opinion of the Department’s Medical Assessor.

I hope that clarifies the matter for the Deputy.