Brendan Griffin (Kerry, Fine Gael)
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183. To ask the Minister for Social Protection if a hearing aid will be provided to a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38134/16]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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Eligibility for medical appliance benefit is based on a person’s PRSI record. To qualify, a customer must have,

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

2. 39 such contributions paid or credited in the tax year on which the claim is based.

According to our records, the customer in question has paid Class S contributions, and therefore is not eligible for medical appliance benefit at this time. However the treatment benefit scheme will be extended to self-employed contributors from March 2017 and the person concerned will be qualified at that time.

Alternatively, if the customer currently holds a Medical Card, he could contact his local HSE office, who will be able to advise him on his entitlements under their audiology scheme. Should you require further assistance with this query in the March next year please do not hesitate to contact my office.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.