Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 4 October 2023
148. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Social Protection if the PRSI contributions of parents can be made applicable for the provision of glasses, optician services and dental services to their children; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43099/23]
View answerIn general, medical or health related benefits fall within the remit of the Department of Health and the Health Service Executive. 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. Pay Related Social Insurance classes A, E, H, P and S count towards the scheme. Benefits under the scheme are only available to adults and cannot be claimed in respect of their children.
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.
