182. Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the reason for the delay in awarding an optical benefit in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare. [26015/15]

The Department has not received a claim for Optical Benefit from the customer concerned. However, eligibility to Treatment Benefit is dependent on a customer having paid sufficient PRSI at Classes A, E, H, or P only. The customer worked as a public servant and paid Class D PRSI (which does not count towards this Benefit) and therefore he does not qualify for the Benefit.

If the customer is the holder of a Medical Card, he should contact his local HSE office, who will be able to advise him of his entitlements under their parallel scheme.