Emer Higgins
Ceist:13. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Social Protection her plans to introduce supports for persons who experience hair loss due to alopecia, cancer treatment or other similar illnesses. [5099/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThursday, 3 February 2022
Ceisteanna (13)
Freagraí scríofa
The Treatment Benefit schemes, which include dental, optical and hearing services are available to insured workers, the self-employed and retired people who have the required number of PRSI contributions. These treatments are also available to their dependent spouse or partner if applicable. €109 million was spent on the scheme in 2021.As part of Budget 2022, I announced an expansion to the range of services available under the scheme. A new grant will be provided from 28 May 2022 towards the cost of wigs and hairpieces for people who suffer from hair loss due to disease.A grant of up to €500 will be available once every calendar year to support people towards the cost of non-surgical hair replacement. This amount can be added to by the person if they wish to purchase a more expensive product.
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. I recognise not only the physical impact, but also the psychological impact, that sudden hair loss can have on a person’s life. I hope that this new grant will contribute to improving the quality of life of those who need it. It will only be available for hair loss in respect of a disease and not due to ageing or other natural causes. Approximately 2.25 million people qualify for Treatment Benefit. It is difficult to estimate the level of take-up of this new benefit. For example, 25,000 people get diagnosed with invasive cancer annually and it is anticipated that up to 2,000 of them may apply for the grant. The estimated cost of the new grant is €1 million per year.
Questions Nos. 14 to 17, inclusive, answered orally.