Eric Byrne (Dublin South Central, Labour)
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Question 309: To ask the Minister for Social Protection, in view of the fact that some public servants pay a lower level of PRSI under the 1996 public service arrangement, if she will list their entitlements to general practitioner, dental, optical services and so on; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3562/12]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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Public servants employed before April 1995 pay a reduced PRSI contribution which does not qualify them for any of the benefits in question.

Public servants employed after that date (April 1995) pay PRSI at the Class A rate. As a result they may qualify for optical, dental, and audiology benefits on the same basis as any other person paying PRSI at Class A. When they have paid sufficient contributions in total and have the required number paid or credited in the relevant contribution year, they are entitled to treatment benefits. Medical services, such as visits to general practitioners, are not covered under the treatment benefit scheme for either class of PRSI contributor.