Health Services

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 11 May 2010

Tuesday, 11 May 2010

Questions (124)

Joe Carey

Question:

162 Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will reverse the changes made to the dental treatment services scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18897/10]

Written answers

Minister for Health and Children (Deputy Mary Harney)

The decision to limit the funding available to the Dental Treatment Services Scheme (DTSS) was made in view of the current position of the public finances and the 60% increase in expenditure in the DTSS over the past five years. The HSE has introduced measures to contain DTSS expenditure at the 2008 level of approximately €63 million. This reflects the imperative to achieve overall reductions in public expenditure while providing essential health services to patients. The HSE will monitor the ongoing effect of these changes from a clinical and budgetary perspective.