Jack Wall (Kildare South, Labour)
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91. To ask the Minister for Social Protection the assistance available in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare to obtain hearing aids; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11011/14]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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The qualifying criteria for the treatment benefit scheme is based on PRSI paid during a person's working life. In order to qualify, a person aged over 66 must have:

- 260 contributions paid at either Class A/E/H/P since first starting work, and

- 39 contributions paid or credited in either of the 2 years before turning 66.

The person concerned does not meet either condition and is therefore not eligible for the hearing aid grant under the treatment benefit scheme. If he has a medical card he should contact his local HSE office, who will be able to advise him of any entitlement under their audiological scheme.