Brendan Griffin (Kerry, Fine Gael)
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298. To ask the Minister for Social Protection when access to the treatment benefit scheme will be extended to the self-employed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8475/17]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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As announced in Budget 2017, the treatment benefit scheme is being extended to cover self-employed contributors for the first time from March 2017. Department officials are involved in a consultative process with the relevant representative bodies at present. This consultative process should be finalised shortly. When the process is completed, it is intended to set and announce a commencement date for the extended scheme. If you require any further information on this please do not hesitate to contact my office.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.