Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 14 Oct 1992

Vol. 423 No. 5

Written Answers. - Treatment Benefit Scheme.

Brian O'Shea

Question:

40 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Social Welfare the plans, if any, he has to give continuing cover under the treatment benefit scheme to widowed dependent spouses of insured workers and their dependent children; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Social Welfare (Mr. McCreevy):

The treatment benefit scheme operated by my Department comprises dental benefit, optical benefit and medical and surgical appliances benefit for insured persons who satisfy certain PRSI and income conditions, and for their dependent spouses.

Under regulations which were introduced earlier this year widowed dependent spouses whose insured spouse dies aged 60 years or over remain qualified for benefit for as long as they remain a widow or widower.

Where the qualified insured person dies before reaching 60 years of age, the dependent widowed spouse continues to be entitled to benefit for so long as the contribution conditions are satisfied by the deceased person's insurance. In effect, this means that a dependent widow may continue to be entitled to benefit for up to two years after the insured person's death. I have no plans to further change these conditions. The treatment benefit scheme does not cover the dependent children of qualified insured persons. Primary dental care services for national school children are provided by the health boards.