Dáil Éireann Debate, Monday - 11 September 2023
983. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will report on the provision for wigs for those who have lost their hair due to medical reasons that are not specifically cancer-related; the exact amount of the grant available to support such persons with the cost of non-surgical hair replacement in each county per calendar year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37361/23]
View answerThe Treatment Benefit scheme is available to insured workers, the self-employed and retired people who have the required number of PRSI contributions. It is also available to their dependent spouse or partner if applicable.
A new grant became available from 28 May 2022 towards the cost of wigs and hairpieces for people who suffer from hair loss due to disease.
The grant of up to €500 is available nationwide once every calendar year to support people towards the cost of non-surgical hair replacement, for example wigs and toupées.
Hair loss is a common issue among people that can be caused by a variety of medical conditions including autoimmune diseases such as alopecia or systemic conditions like cancer. It is not limited to people with cancer. The grant is available for hair loss in respect of a disease and not due to ageing or other natural causes.
Some 1,400 customers availed of the scheme in 2022 to the value of over €695,000. From January to June 2023, 1,600 customers have availed of the scheme to the value of over €801,000. The estimated spend in 2023 is expected to be €1.4 million.
A per county breakdown of expenditure is included below.
I trust this clarifies the position for the deputy.
M&S Hair Replacement Claims
Jun to Dec 2022 Jan to Jun 2023
Claims Expenditure € Claims Expenditure €
Carlow 14 7000 20 10000
Cavan 15 7057.15 28 13560
Clare 25 12298 19 9240
Cork 95 47500 123 62000
Donegal 29 14000 34 17000
Dublin 444 220547.9 518 258882
Galway 63 30559 85 42201
Kerry 29 14405.63 42 20980
Kildare 115 57484 101 50447.45
Kilkenny 28 14000 37 18490
Laois 22 11000 25 12495
Leitrim 16 8000 18 8585
Limerick 50 24900 57 28500
Longford 20 9980 14 6740
Louth 54 26771 61 30500
Mayo 38 18705 58 28525
Meath 69 33650.1 74 36838
Monaghan 13 6500 19 9447.5
Offaly 32 15635 24 12000
Roscommon 33 16260 31 14963
Sligo 16 7990 29 14450
Tipperary 64 31950 43 21418
Waterford 17 8375 51 25500
Westmeath 24 11895 26 12980
Wexford 31 15500 27 12850
Wicklow 46 22550 46 22980
Outside ROI 2 1000 1 96
Totals 1404 695512.78 1611 801667.95
