Brian Stanley (Laois, Independent)
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170. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if he will review and expand the level of support provided under the treatment benefit scheme for individuals requiring audiological supports, including hearing aids, or those living with congenital deafness given that lifetime costs for such supports can exceed €50,000 compared to the current €1,000 provision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [68428/25]

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 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. 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.

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