Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 11 July 2023
437. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will give due consideration to extending the treatment benefit scheme (currently available to dependent spouses, civil partners or cohabitants of qualified persons subject to certain conditions), to dependent children up to the age of 18 years of age; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33639/23]
View answerIn general, medical or health related benefits fall within the remit of the Department of Health and the HSE. However, my Department administers the Treatment Benefit scheme which provides dental, optical, and medical appliances benefits to insured workers, the self-employed and retired people.
The Treatment Benefit scheme is an insurance-based scheme which provides benefits to eligible contributors towards the provision of treatment and appliances. These treatments are also available to their dependent spouse or partner if applicable.
Eligibility for Treatment Benefit is based on age and social insurance contributions. People’s social insurance contributions made under Pay Related Social Insurance Classes A, E, H, P and S count towards the Treatment Benefit scheme. Benefits under the Treatment Benefit scheme are only available to adults and cannot be claimed for dependent children.
I am not considering changing the qualifying criteria for the Treatment Benefit scheme at this time; however we keep our 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 clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
