Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 18 January 2017
151. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Social Protection when the announcement of illness benefit for the self-employed will be implemented (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2215/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Budget measure referred to in the Deputy’s question relates to the extension of cover for Invalidity Pension to the self-employed on the same basis as employees. This is in line with the commitment contained in the Programme for Government for an improved PRSI scheme for the self-employed. Invalidity Pension is a pension payment for people who cannot work because of a long-term illness or disability.
For the first time, the self-employed will access to the safety net of State income supports if they have a serious illness or injury that prevents them from working without having to go through a means test. This is a real advance in the level of cover available to the self-employed. Given that this is a major change in the social protection system, significant adjustments to operational systems and processes will be required to support this measure. Therefore, the measure will come into effect in December 2017.
In addition, the self-employed will have access to the existing Treatment Benefit Scheme, from March 2017. Treatment Benefit entitlements will be extended further from October 2017 for both the self-employed and employees, providing additional dental and optical benefits.
I trust that this provides some clarity on the issue for the Deputy.
