Health Services

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 October 2011

Tuesday, 18 October 2011

Questions (441)

Nicky McFadden

Question:

458 Deputy Nicky McFadden asked the Minister for Health his views on the scaling back of medical card holder entitlements to emergency dental procedures. [29525/11]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Róisín Shortall)

Unfortunately due to the current position of the public finances, it has been necessary to reduce the services available under the Dental Treatment Services Scheme (DTSS). However the Health Service Executive (HSE) has measures in place to ensure that patients with special needs, high risk patients and those who have greater clinical needs receive priority for treatment. In addition, a free oral examination every calendar year and free emergency dental treatment with a focus on the relief of pain and sepsis are available to all eligible patients.