Fianna Fáil TD for Laois-Offaly Barry Cowen has welcomed the extension of the Invalidity Pension Scheme to self-employed people from next month. The move was secured as part of the Confidence & Supply arrangement and takes effect from the 1
st
of December.
Deputy Cowen commented, “The extension of this scheme to self-employed people is a welcome decision and is another step forward in helping to level the playing field between self-employed and PAYE workers. This payment will make a real difference to people who find themselves out of work as a result of a long term illness or disability.
“There are over 325,000 people including farmers, contractors and small business owners, who will now be covered under the scheme. This move will provide a much needed safety net for these people, many of whom would have found it difficult keep their business afloat without it.
“This provision was secured as part of the Confidence & Supply arrangement negotiated between Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael. One of the key priorities in the document was to
“provide a supportive tax regime for entrepreneurs and the self-employed”
and I am pleased that we have delivered on that proposal”.