Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

In general, medical or health related benefits fall within the remit of the Department of Health and the Health Service Executive. However, my Department administers the Treatment Benefit scheme which provides dental, optical, and medical appliances benefits to insured workers, the self-employed and retired people.

The Treatment Benefit scheme is an insurance-based scheme which provides benefits to eligible contributors towards the provision of treatment and appliances. These treatments are also available to their dependent spouse or partner, if applicable.

Eligibility for Treatment Benefit is based on age and social insurance contributions. Pay Related Social Insurance classes A, E, H, P and S count towards the scheme. Benefits under the scheme are only available to adults and cannot be claimed in respect of their children.

Any changes to the current system would need to be considered in an overall policy and budgetary context.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.