Paul Murphy (Dublin South West, Socialist Party)
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161. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection in light of the impact of the changes made to the treatment benefit scheme, her plans to review the decision to cut benefits that can be availed of under the scheme; her further plans to revise the eligibility criteria, especially for those of over 66 years of age; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32730/15]

Paul Murphy (Dublin South West, Socialist Party)
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162. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection if she will provide, in tabular form, the number of persons who have availed of the treatment benefit scheme for each year since 2008; the information, by those aged under 21; 21 to 24; 25 to 65 and over 66 years of age; and by the treatment availed of, that is dental, optical, and aural. [32731/15]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 161 and 162 together.

The services available under the treatment benefit scheme were restricted in Budget 2010, due to the prevailing economic situation at that time and the urgent need to reduce public expenditure. Any future expansion of the schemes will be considered in light of available resources and competing priorities.

If a customer is qualified for treatment benefit at age 66, that person remains qualified for life. There are no plans to change the eligibility criteria for persons over 66 years of age.

Data regarding the age breakdown of customers is not routinely collated, as this information is archived after claims have been processed and a period of time has elapsed.

The overall numbers of claims paid under the treatment benefit scheme, (broken down by dental, optical and aural), in each year since 2008 is set out in the following table: