Michael P. Kitt
Question:174 Mr. M. Kitt asked the Minister for Health his views on whether his Department should have overall responsibility for dental health and dental schemes.
Written Answers - Dental Health.
The responsibilities of the Minister for Health and of the health boards in relation to the provision of dental services to eligible persons are set out in the Health Act, 1970.
The Minister for Social Welfare has responsibility for the administration of the treatment benefit scheme under which insured workers and their spouses receive dental treatment from private dental practitioners, under contract arrangements with that Department.
The scope for improving dental services through changed organisational arrangements will be examined as an integral part of the implementation of the proposed National Health Strategy.