asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason for the disparity between the periods of insurable employment required by persons under 21 and those over 21 in order to qualify initially for benefit; and if he will reduce the three years qualification required of those who commence stamping a card when they are over 21 to the 6 months period required of others.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Insurable Employment Disparities.
47.
I assume that the Deputy in his question is referring to treatment benefit. Regulations originally fixed the same contribution conditions for the receipt of this benefit for all insured persons. As a concession to persons in the 16 to 21 years age group amending regulations provided, as from 1960, for the easement of the contribution conditions which required for the receipt of treatment benefit, the payment of 156 employment contributions. As from that date payment of 26 employment contributions only was required. This concession was made with a view to making treatment benefit, particularly conservative dental treatment, readily available to insured persons in that age group. Further amendment of the regulations is not contemplated.