2015. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Social Protection if he will consider introducing a digital pre-approval mechanism to streamline the application process for the treatment benefit scheme in order that applicants are not required to obtain a physical signature from their spouse each time they seek to access services under their spouse’s PRSI record; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60785/26]

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

Eligibility for Treatment Benefit is based on a person having the required number of paid PRSI contributions, in total and in the relevant contribution year. If a person does not have the required contributions themselves but are financially dependent on their spouse/partner who is qualified, they can also be considered qualified.

Where a person applies for Treatment Benefit as a dependent spouse, civil partner or cohabitant, the consent of the qualified person whose PRSI record is being used is required to comply with data protection requirements. Under GDPR, the Department must be able to demonstrate that the data subject has consented to the processing of their personal data.

As a result, the qualified person must provide written consent allowing both the Department and the dependent applicant to access and process the personal data required to establish eligibility for Treatment Benefit. This consent relates solely to the processing of personal data and not to the provision of the benefit itself.

Once provided, consent remains valid until it is withdrawn by the qualified person. Consent is therefore required only once and will apply to all benefits available under the Treatment Benefit Scheme unless subsequently withdrawn.

Treatment Benefit is a prior approval scheme. An application must be submitted before eligibility can be confirmed, as manual processing is required to meet GDPR obligations. The scheme covers one oral examination and either one standard scale and polish or one protracted periodontal treatment per year. Emergency treatment is not covered. Application forms are available from participating providers but can also be obtained by contacting the Department directly.

The Department is committed to regularly reviewing its schemes and will consider the feasibility of introducing digital pre-approval as part of any future work in this area. Any changes to the current scheme would need to be considered in an overall policy and budgetary context.