Health Service Staff

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 8 July 2010

Thursday, 8 July 2010

Questions (159)

Noel Ahern

Question:

150 Deputy Noel Ahern asked the Minister for Health and Children the numbers and grades of staff in the Health Service Executive dental service; if the total annual cost of provision of same will be outlined; if a value for money exercise of the HSE dental service compared with medical card scheme has been carried out; the outcome of same; the data that is available on cost comparisons; if she will outline future policy directions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30925/10]

Written answers

Minister for Health and Children (Deputy Mary Harney)

The HSE Public Dental Service employs approximately 800 wholetime equivalents. There are 32 principal dental surgeons, about 300 dental practitioners and 480 nurses and hygienists. The HSE has engaged independent consultants to carry out a review of the Public Dental Service. The consultants have estimated the cost of the Public Dental Service to be approximately €60 million. A more detailed exercise is currently being carried out by the HSE. This independent review is expected shortly and will inform future policy in this area.