Social Welfare Benefits

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 22 November 2022

Tuesday, 22 November 2022

Ceisteanna (444)

Gino Kenny

Ceist:

444. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Social Protection if her attention has been drawn to reports that frontline workers who were asked to return to work back in the Irish healthcare system under the "be on call for Ireland" campaign do not receive PRSI contribution benefits for dental check or glasses, due to the fact that 2020 contributions are calculated and if they have not worked a full year in 2020 they do not receive dental check or glasses, regardless of 2021 contributions or any previous contributions which they had made before emigration; and if she will provide a waiver for frontline workers, in order to receive free dental checks or glasses. [57541/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Social Protection

The 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.

If a person is aged under 21, they may qualify if they have paid at least 39 contributions at any time.

Between the age of 21 to 28, a person may qualify if they have paid at least 39 contributions and have at least 39 paid or credited contributions in the governing contribution year.

From the age of 29 onwards a person must have at least 260 paid contributions and have at least 39 paid or credited contributions in the governing contribution year.

The Treatment Benefit scheme applies equally to all insured persons.

The PRSI contributions that count towards Treatment Benefits are Class A, E, H, P, and S and the governing contribution year is currently 2020.

From January 2023 the governing contribution year will be 2021.

I hope this clarifies matters for the Deputy.