Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 3 March 2004
280 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the steps she intends to take to improve qualifying conditions on optical and dental benefits for persons paying PRSI contributions (details supplied). [7274/04]
View answerThe treatment benefit scheme provides a range of benefits in the areas of dental, optical and aural treatment for qualified PRSI contributors and their dependent spouses. The PRSI contribution conditions relating to entitlement to these benefits vary depending on the age of the insured person. Persons aged under 21 must have at least 39 contributions paid since first starting work in order to qualify. Persons aged from 21 to 24 must have at least 39 contributions paid since first starting work and have at least 39 weeks contributions paid or credited in the relevant tax year. In the case of persons aged over 25 the requirement is that they have at least 260 PRSI contributions paid since first starting work and 39 paid or credited in the relevant tax year.
These qualifying conditions are necessary to ensure a realistic relationship between entitlement to benefit and a continuing or recent attachment to the workforce through an active PRSI contribution record. I have no plans, at present, to change the current qualifying conditions of the treatment benefit scheme. Any changes in this scheme would have financial implications and would be a matter for consideration within the constraints of budgetary policy and the best targeting of available resources.
