Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 January 2024
374. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection the extent of required social welfare contributions to qualify for ophthalmic benefit in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2352/24]
View answerThe Treatment Benefit Scheme provides dental, optical, and aural services to insured workers, the self-employed, retired people and their dependant spouse/partner who have the required number of social insurance (PRSI) contributions.
In order to qualify, a person needs to have at least 260 PRSI contributions paid at either Class A, E, H, P or S, since first starting work, and also have 39 contributions paid or credited in the relevant contribution year on which the claim is based.
The person concerned does not meet these criteria and, as a result, he does not satisfy the conditions for treatment benefit under the Department's PRSI scheme.
However, if the person concerned is the holder of a medical card he may have an entitlement to benefit under the HSE scheme. If this is the case, he should contact his local HSE office for advice on making a claim.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
