Claire Kerrane (Roscommon-Galway, Sinn Fein)
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111. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection when in-person assessments will resume for those applying for disablement benefit; the reason that these assessments have not been restored; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15134/22]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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Since the lifting of the restrictions on the 28/02/22, the Medical Review and Assessment Service of the Department has planned to resume in-person assessments which are scheduled for the week starting 21/03/2022.

During the pandemic, my Department continued to service the customers of Disablement Benefit Scheme by conducting Desk Assessments where appropriate.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

Brendan Griffin (Kerry, Fine Gael)
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112. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if persons with alopecia and who do not qualify for a medical card can benefit from any other source of financial assistance to help cover the cost of their wig as in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15137/22]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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In Budget 2022, I introduced a new measure that will provide a flat grant of up to €500 a year for eligible individuals towards the cost of non-surgical hair replacement including wigs. The grant will be available from 28 May 2022 under the Treatment Benefit scheme.

The Treatment Benefit Scheme is a social insurance scheme and eligibility is based on age and social insurance contributions. These conditions are set out on our gov.ie website and in a range of publications. The grant for wigs will be available under the Medical Appliances strand of the Treatment Benefit scheme. This has medical eligibility requirements in addition to the general eligibility requirements. It will require evidence of a medical condition or treatment of same – this will include alopecia.

The Social Welfare Bill that provided for Budget 2022 measures, including this new grant, was published in November 2021. Regulations setting out the conditions of the scheme, including medical conditionality, are currently being drafted. Providers will be able to register with the scheme once the regulations are in place. Customers will be able to apply after the regulations come into force. They will not be able to receive a grant for items purchased before that date.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.