2016. Deputy Mark Wall asked the Minister for Social Protection if he will consider a case for assistance under treatment benefit for a person (details supplied); his views on whether the serious matters raised in this case need addressing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56997/26]

The Treatment Benefit Scheme provides dental, optical, aural and hair replacement products and services to insured workers, the self-employed, retired people and their dependent spouse/partner who have the required number of social insurance (PRSI) contributions.

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. For claims made in 2026 the relevant contribution year is 2024.

If a person does not have enough social insurance contributions to qualify for treatment benefit, they may qualify on the social insurance record of their spouse, civil partner or cohabitant.

The person concerned does not qualify for Treatment Benefit as they do not have the required 260 paid contributions since first starting work and they do not have the required paid or credited PRSI contributions in the relevant year(s) on which the claim is based. The person concerned does not qualify as a spouse as they were in receipt of a payment in their own right at the time of their spouse's death and as such would not qualify on their spouse for the purpose of Treatment Benefit.

The Department is committed to a regular review of the Treatment Benefit scheme. We keep our schemes and supports under review to make sure they continue to meet their objectives. Any changes to the current system would need to be considered in an overall policy and budgetary context.

This lady may have an entitlement from the HSE for the required treatment, If they do not support her. If she has a finacial need it is open to her to apply for a means tested Additional Needs Payment from the Community welfare service of the Department of Social Protection.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.