Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 31 May 2022
490. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Social Protection if he will reinstate the use of a Covid test result text from the HSE to claim the enhanced illness benefit rather than a certificate of incapacity for work medical certificate to reduce pressures on general practitioners. [28155/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraClaims for Illness Benefit must be accompanied by a Certificate of Incapacity for Work from the claimants GP. This specifies the nature of the illness and the duration of the incapacity for work. The use of HSE texts as an acceptable form of medical evidence to support claims for Enhanced Illness Benefit was introduced at the start of the pandemic as an exceptional measure. The objective was to assist people who had tested positive with Covid-19 or who had been identified as a potential source of infection with Covid-19 to promptly comply with medical advice in line with pubic health objectives.
The number of people claiming Enhanced Illness Benefit has fallen significantly over the past two months. In light of the current public health guidance, the Department decided that the exceptional measure of accepting a HSE text message could be discontinued, and that those seeking a payment of Enhanced Illness Benefit would now be required to provide the appropriate medical certificate to support their claim, as is the case for all Illness Benefit claims. This matter has not been raised as an issue by the Irish Medical Organisation who engage regularly with the Department.
I trust this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
