Treatment benefit consent issue
Deputy Carroll MacNeill raised concerns from refuges about the treatment benefit scheme requiring consent from a qualified adult, which could trap people in abusive relationships. The Tánaiste said he had not heard of the issue, but agreed it should be examined and that such a requirement would not be right.
The treatment benefit scheme in the Department of Social Protection provides important dental, optical and oral services to a range of different people. We heard from Amber Women's Refuge service and Safe Ireland in Leinster House 2000 this morning. One of the matters they raised relates to the practical effect of having to get consent for a qualified adult in order to get those treatments and, in particular, the impact on somebody who may be in a violent or coercive relationship having to obtain consent from the partner in order to receive the benefit of those schemes. I wonder if this matter could be raised with the Minister for Social Protection, Deputy Heather Humphreys, in order that we might try to address any barriers that may be faced by victims in the context of receiving treatment.
Comment on this
The treatment benefit scheme is great. People pay their PRSI and get benefits in return, including optical and dental benefits. It is linked to PRSI, as the Deputy knows. I have not heard of qualified adults needing consent. There must be a way around that. I am sure it is not necessary because the Department of Social Protection should have the data already. I can certainly see how there would be a difficulty, especially if there is a strained relationship or abuse in a relationship. That is not right. I welcome that the Deputy has raised this matter. It has not been raised with me before. I will ensure that the Minister is aware of it, and we will see if we can work out a solution or workaround.