Jennifer Murnane O'Connor (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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14. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if she will report on the provision for wigs for those who have lost their hair due to medical reasons that are not specifically cancer-related; the exact amount of the grant available to support such persons with the cost of non-surgical hair replacement in each county per calendar year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6040/23]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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The Treatment Benefit scheme is available to insured workers, the self-employed and retired people who have the required number of PRSI contributions. It is also available to their dependent spouse or partner if applicable. Those who are eligible can avail of dental, optical and hearing services under the scheme. Some €120 million was spent on the scheme in 2022 and the estimated spend for 2023 is €128 million.

As part of Budget 2022, I announced an expansion to the range of services available under the Treatment Benefit scheme. A new grant became available from 28 May 2022 towards the cost of wigs and hairpieces for people who suffer from hair loss due to disease.

The grant of up to €500 is available nationwide once every calendar year to support people towards the cost of non-surgical hair replacement, for example wigs and toupées.

Hair loss is a common issue among people that can be caused by a variety of medical conditions including autoimmune diseases such as alopecia or systemic conditions like cancer. It is not limited to people with cancer. I recognise not only the physical impact, but also the psychological impact, that hair loss can have on a person’s life. This new grant should help improve the quality of life of those who need it.

The grant is available for hair loss in respect of a disease and not due to ageing or other natural causes.

Some1,400 customers availed of the scheme in 2022 to the value of over €692k and the estimated spend in 2023 expected to be €1.4 million.