James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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624. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the position regarding payment to opticians based on optical benefit taking up to eight weeks; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53010/18]

Regina Doherty (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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The optical benefits provided by the Department under the treatment benefit scheme are made available to qualifying customers via a network of opticians who hold contracts with the Department. Opticians contracted to provide these services are paid once per month, in line with the terms of their contract.

All optical benefit claims submitted to the Department via the WelfarePartners on-line portal (96%) or via paper claim forms are processed immediately and included in the next scheduled payment. There is no delay in issuing payments and all claims are paid promptly.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.