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Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 7 Oct 1992

Vol. 423 No. 1

Written Answers. - Dental/Optical Benefit.

Michael Bell

Question:

435 Mr. Bell asked the Minister for Social Welfare if his attention has been drawn to the fact that, as a result of Social Welfare regulations introduced by him which require 13 paid contributions, thousands of social welfare recipients on long term social welfare benefits will not qualify for dental/optical benefits and their spouses will also be debarred from benefit; if his attention has further been drawn to the fact that as health boards have no funding for these treatment benefits, the old, the sick and the handicapped will have no availability for treatment benefits; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Since 6 July 1992 the statutory contribution conditions for entitlement to treatment (dental and optical) benefits have been changed with a view to ensuring the continued viability of the Scheme through better targeting of scarce resources. In that context, the changes introduced also seek to establish a more realistic relationship between entitlement to benefit and a recent attachment to the workforce through paid PRSI contributions.

One of the contribution conditions now requires claimants aged 21 years and over to have at least 39 contributions paid or credited in the governing contribution year, of which at least 13 must be paid contributions. However, a claimant who fails to satisfy the 13 paid condition in the governing contribution year can still qualify for benefit if at least 13 contributions were paid in either of the two preceding contribution years or in a subsequent contribution year.
In practice, this means that a person who ceases to pay PRSI contributions can continue to qualify for treatment benefits for up to five years after leaving the work-force. After that period, entitlement to benefit will lapse and can only be regained by re-entering insurable employment for at least 13 weeks.
The requirement to have a minimum of 13 paid contributions in a recent contribution year does not apply in the case of persons who reached pension age prior to 6 July 1992.
Persons who are not entitled to benefit under the Treatment Benefit Scheme and whose only income is a social welfare payment would be entitled to a medical card for themselves and their dependants. As medical card holders, they would be eligible for dental and optical services under the Health Acts. The Government has made additional funds available to the Minister for Health over the past few years specifically for the development of dental services and it is understood that this has resulted in a significant improvement in dental services provided by the Health Boards.
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