Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 26 July 2022
1199. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason that a person (details supplied) was denied a claim for hearing aids under the treatment benefit scheme on the basis of paying tax in the UK between 2015 and 2021, despite having been in full-time employment in Ireland for three decades before this and subsequently returning to employment in Ireland; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39923/22]
View answerThe Treatment Benefit Scheme provides dental, optical, aural and hair replacement services/products to insured workers, the self-employed and retired people who have the required number of social insurance (PRSI) contributions and their dependent spouse, partner or co-habitant.
To qualify for treatment benefit, the person concerned must satisfy the conditions of having a total of 260 paid contributions at class A/E/H/P or S since starting work and 39 contributions paid or credited in the relevant tax years on which the claim is based; 2020 being the relevant tax year in this circumstance. Although the named person meets the requirement to have 260 paid contributions, they do not have 39 contributions in the relevant tax year of 2020.
The person's social insurance record in the UK can be taken into consideration for qualification for the Treatment Benefit scheme. Details of employment in the UK have been requested from the person concerned and on receipt of the requested information their entitlement to treatment benefit will be reviewed.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
