Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 31 January 2024
91. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Social Protection with regard to the dental and optical tax rebate, if consideration has been given to reviewing the procedures covered by same to ensure that workers can avail of this support for essential dental and optical procedures; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4485/24]
View answerThe Treatment Benefit Scheme provides dental, optical and aural services to insured workers, the self-employed, retired people and their dependent 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 scheme provides benefits from the Social Insurance Fund for people who have the required number of Pay Related Social Insurance contributions. There are three strands:
- Dental Benefit;
- Optical Benefit;
- Medical Appliances Benefit – a grant primarily for hearing aids and hair replacement products.
There are no plans to make changes to the scheme at this time.I trust this clarifies the matter for the deputy.
