Vol. 426 No. 3
55 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Social Welfare if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the changes in the contribution conditions for treatment benefits introduced in July, 1992, have had the effect of disqualifying old age pensioners who previously qualified for treatment benefit; if he proposes to remedy this situation on the grounds of equity; and, if so, when.
The contribution conditions for treatment benefits were amended with effect from 6 July 1992. As a general rule the changes which were made did not affect the position of pensioners and pensioners who are entitled to treatment benefit at pension age retain this entitlement. One of the changes, however, increased the number of paid PRSI contributions required by persons aged over 25 years of age from 208 (i.e. four years) to 260 (i.e. five years). A small number of people who are in receipt of pensions on the basis of less than five years' paid contributions were affected by this provision. The regulations are currently being reviewed and will be considered in the context of the budget.
