Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 30 June 2016
127. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection the extent to which addictions, such as alcoholism and drug addiction, are deemed to be conditions capable of qualifying for disability allowance or invalidity pension; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18882/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraQualification for Invalidity Pension (IP) or Disability Allowance (DA) is not conditional on having a particular medical condition. The determining factors are the extent to which a particular illness or disability impairs or restricts a person’s capacity to work.
To qualify for IP in addition to satisfying the PRSI contribution conditions, you must have been incapable of work for at least 12 months and be likely to be incapable of work for at least another 12 months, or be permanently incapable of work.
In order to satisfy the conditions for receipt of disability allowance (DA) a person must be suffering from an injury, disease, congenital deformity or physical or mental illness or defect which has continued or may reasonably be expected to continue for a period of at least a year and as a result of the condition the person is substantially restricted in undertaking work which would otherwise be suitable having regard to the person’s age, experience and qualifications. There are additional conditions that must be satisfied in relation to means and habitual residence.
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.
