Written answers

Tuesday, 31 May 2005

Department of Social and Family Affairs

Social Welfare Benefits

9:00 pm

Photo of Pat BreenPat Breen (Clare, Fine Gael)
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Question 299: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the reason a person (details supplied) in County Clare did not qualify for dental treatment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17996/05]

Photo of Séamus BrennanSéamus Brennan (Dublin South, Fianna Fail)
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The treatment benefit scheme operated by my Department provides a range of benefits in the areas of dental, optical and aural treatment for qualified PRSI contributors and their dependent spouses. The availability of these benefits is subject to certain PRSI contribution conditions. The PRSI contribution classes which qualify for treatment benefit are A, E, H and P.

The PRSI contribution conditions relating to treatment benefit vary depending on the age of the insured person. A person under 21 years of age requires 39 weeks reckonable PRSI contributions paid since entry into insurable employment. An insured person aged between 21 and 24 years is required to have 39 weeks reckonable PRSI contributions paid since entry into insurance and 39 weeks paid or credited in the tax year on which the claim is based. An insured person over the age of 25 years is required to have 260 weeks PRSI contributions paid since entry into insurable employment and 39 weeks reckonable insurance contributions paid or credited in the tax year on which the claim is based. For claims made in 2005 the relevant tax year is 2003.

According to the records of my Department, the person concerned has 38 reckonable contributions in the 2003 tax year. She does not, therefore, qualify for dental benefit.

Photo of Finian McGrathFinian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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Question 300: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the position regarding the carer's grant and disability allowance for a person (details supplied). [18060/05]

Photo of Séamus BrennanSéamus Brennan (Dublin South, Fianna Fail)
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Since 1999, my Department has provided an annual respite care grant to people who are in receipt of a carer's allowance. One condition for receiving the grant is that the person must be receiving a carer's allowance during the specified period. This year the specified period is 2 June to 8 June.

The person concerned was in receipt of carer's allowance, in respect of her son, from 10 June 1999 to 25 May 2005. Her son died on 13 April 2005. She was paid the allowance for a further six weeks after the death, up to 25 May 2005, when payment ceased. Unfortunately, as she is not in receipt of the allowance during the specified period, she does not qualify for the respite care grant.

Under social welfare legislation decisions on claims must be made by deciding officers and appeals officers. These officers are statutorily appointed and I have no role in regard to making such decisions.

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