Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 20 October 2015
158. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection if financial assistance is available to assist private patients in purchasing digital hearing aids; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36483/15]
View answerThe Department’s treatment benefit scheme includes a grant towards the purchase of hearing aids for people who meet the relevant PRSI conditions. The grant covers half the cost of hearing aids, subject to a maximum grant of €500 per aid.
The conditions vary with age, but a person aged between 25 and 66 years currently needs: - 260 Class A PRSI contributions paid since first starting work, and - 39 such contributions paid or credited in the relevant contribution year, currently the 2013 tax year.
Full details on the scheme and the qualifying conditions are available at www.welfare.ie
