Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 20 September 2022
385. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Social Protection whether she is considering expanding the grant towards the cost of a wig or hairpiece for those suffering hair loss due to illness to also include children suffering hair loss due to illness whose parents have the necessary PRSI contributions or self-employed equivalent; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45853/22]
View answerAs part of Budget 2022, I announced an expansion to the range of services available under the Treatment Benefit scheme. The new grant announced came into effect on 28 May 2022 and it provides a contribution of up to €500 once every calendar year towards the cost of non-surgical hair replacement, for example wigs and toupees, for people who suffer from hair loss due to disease. This grant is provided under the Medical Appliances stream of the Treatment Benefit scheme. In addition to this grant, eligible contributors can also benefit from dental, optical and aural benefits under the Treatment Benefit scheme.
As of 16 August 2022, 416 people benefited from the grant to the value of €206,836.
Eligibility for this grant is based on a medical and a contributory condition. It provides benefits to insured and eligible contributors to the Social Insurance Fund under PRSI Classes A, E, H, P or S and their dependent spouses and partners with a gross income of €100 or less per week. Benefits under the Treatment Benefit scheme are only available to adults and cannot be claimed for dependent children.
My Department keeps the current range of schemes and supports under review to make sure they continue to meet their objectives. Any changes to the current system would need to be considered in an overall policy and budgetary context.
I trust this clarified the matter for the Deputy.
