Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 30 June 2005
152 Mr. Cregan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the dental benefits available to a pensioner on an over-70 medical card; if all dental services are available free of charge; if the free service is for basic dentistry only; if she will outline same; if it is in order for a dentist to charge for services or to make top up charges; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23821/05]
View answerA range of dental services for adult medical card holders is available under the dental treatment services scheme, DTSS, from participating dentists holding contracts with the Health Service Executive, HSE. The treatments provided include examinations, prophylaxis, fillings, extractions, dentures and x-rays.
The scheme is administered by the HSE primary care reimbursement service on behalf of the HSE and it is monitored at a local level by principal dental surgeons with a regional responsibility for the DTSS. It is not in order for a dentist to charge medical card holders for services that are available under the DTSS.
153 Mr. S. Ryan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she will report on the refunds due to the family of a person (details supplied). [23822/05]
View answerThe Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the parliamentary affairs division of the executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
