Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 15 November 2016
381. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Social Protection if he will consider providing a basic payment of disability allowance level for persons who are diagnosed with cancer; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34538/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department provides a comprehensive suite of income supports, including illness benefit, invalidity pension, and disability allowance 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. Therefore, there is no requirement to introduce a scheme where support is conditional on the nature of the illness as the existing schemes already cover all illnesses.
Hope that clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
