Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh (Kildare South, Sinn Fein)
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166. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection his plans to develop a non-means-tested support for audiology equipment such as hearing aids; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [68260/25]

Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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In general, medical or health related benefits fall within the remit of the Department of Health and the Health Service Executive (HSE). However, my Department administers the treatment benefit scheme which provides certain dental, optical, and medical appliances benefits to insured workers, the self-employed and retired people who have the required number of PRSI contributions. This scheme is not subject to a means test. These treatments are also available to an insured person's dependent spouse or partner, if applicable.

Under the medical appliance strand of the scheme, my Department pays the full cost of a hearing aid up to a maximum of €500 (€1,000 for a pair) once every 4 years for eligible persons. It will also pay the full cost of repairs to aids, up to a maximum of €100, once every 4 years.

Under the HSE audiology service, an audiologist may recommend hearing aids to a person. These hearing aids are free of charge for those under 18 years and adults who have a medical card. Further information on that service can be found on the HSE website.

There are currently no plans to change the eligibility requirements for the treatment benefit scheme. However, my Department keeps all schemes under constant review in order to ensure they meet their objectives. Any changes would need to be considered in an overall policy and budgetary context.