Martin Heydon (Kildare South, Fine Gael)
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125. To ask the Minister for Social Protection if the extension of treatment benefits to self-employed persons from March 2017 will include the cost of hearing aids; if these benefits will be available to retired persons as well as active self employed persons; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33949/16]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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The announcement made in Budget 2017 provides for the extension of treatment benefits to self employed contributors, including cover for the hearing aid grant, from March 2017.

When the proposed changes are legislated for, PRSI contributions paid at Class S will be reckonable for dental, optical and audiological (hearing aid) benefit in the same way as is currently the case with Class A contributions. Retired people who have paid Class S PRSI may also qualify, providing they meet the relevant PRSI contribution conditions.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy. If you require any further information please don’t hesitate to contact Philip in my office.