Pádraic McCormack (Galway West, Fine Gael)
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Question 274: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs his plans to restore entitlements to persons to offset some of the cost of dental treatment from their PRSI contributions; the steps he proposes to take to restore this entitlement to persons who have paid their PRSI contributions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16346/10]

Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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The current budgetary position necessitates the changes made to social welfare benefits, including treatment benefits, in Budget 2010.

As a result from 1st January 2010, treatments available under the optical and dental elements of the scheme are limited to the free examination. There has been no change to the medical appliances element of the scheme. Over 2 million PRSI contributors are eligible for the free dental and optical examination and medical appliance benefit in 2010. In 2009 over 418,000 customers claimed a free dental examination at a cost of over €14 million. In addition 219,000 free eye examinations, at a cost of almost €5.5 million were also provided. There were also 7,500 treatments under the medical appliance scheme, at a cost of over €7.5million. Similar levels of applications can be expected this year. The continued provision of a free examination will allow people to continue to have regular check-ups and help ensure the early detection of disease and other health issues.

While all areas of social welfare expenditure are kept under review, there are no immediate plans to reverse the changes in the current budgetary climate.

Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 275: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will be approved and paid the one parent family allowance. [16367/10]

Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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The person concerned applied for a one-parent family allowance payment on 18 February, 2010. Her claim is currently with a Social Welfare Inspector for investigation. When all enquiries are completed a decision will be made as soon as possible and she will be notified of the outcome.