Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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179. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if required dental benefit for the purpose of orthodontic treatment will be offered in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21301/19]

Regina Doherty (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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In order to qualify for treatment benefit (aged under 21 years) a PRSI contributor must satisfy the condition of having a total of 39 paid contributions at class A/E/H/P/S since starting work.

The person concerned does not meet this criteria and as a result she does not satisfy the conditions for treatment benefit under the Department's PRSI scheme. It should be noted that orthodontic treatment is not covered on the Department's treatment benefit scheme. The scheme provides for a free annual dental examination and an annual scale and polish treatment, subject to a maximum co-payment of €15.

However, if the person concerned is the holder of a medical card she may have an entitlement to benefit under the HSE scheme. If this is the case she should contact her local HSE health office for advice on making a claim.

I hope this clarifies matters for the Deputy.