Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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126. To ask the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding an application for a hearing aid by a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6264/16]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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Eligibility for this Benefit is based on a person’s PRSI record. To qualify in 2016, the customer must have:

1. At least 260 PRSI contributions paid at Class A, E, H, or P since first starting work, and

2. At least 39 such contributions paid or credited in 2014.

While the customer meets the first condition she does not meet the second, and as a result does not qualify for benefit in her own right.

As she is also in receipt of a pension in her own right, she does not qualify as a dependent spouse on her husband’s PRSI record.

If she is the holder of a medical card, she should contact her local HSE, who will be able to advise her of her entitlements under their parallel scheme.