Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:123 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs if he will extend and improve dental and ophthalmic benefits; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25362/00]
Vol. 525 No. 4
123 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs if he will extend and improve dental and ophthalmic benefits; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25362/00]
The treatment benefit scheme operated by my Department provides a range of benefits in the areas of dental, optical and aural treatment for qualified PRSI contributors and their dependent spouses.
As is the case with all schemes operated by my Department the benefits available and the qualifying conditions for the treatment benefit scheme are kept under constant review. This ensures that the schemes are continuing to effectively meet their original objectives in terms of operational efficiency and customer needs.
While I have no specific proposals for changing the qualifying conditions or entitlements under the dental, optical or other components of the treatment benefit scheme the operation of the scheme will be subject to ongoing monitoring by my Department.
124 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs the extent to which he will improve payments in respect of widow's and widowers in 2001; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25363/00]
The widow(er)'s pension schemes recognise the particular difficulties that arise for people following the death of a spouse.