Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 13 November 2013
23. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Health if he has considered reversing some of the cuts to the dental treatment benefit scheme and the dental treatment services scheme since 2010 in view of reports that considerably fewer adults are visiting their dentists and are putting off dental treatment until it is absolutely necessary. [47944/13]
View answerFunding for the Dental Treatment Services Scheme (DTSS) has been capped at the 2008 level of €63million. There are no immediate plans to reverse the changes to the Scheme in the current budgetary climate. The HSE prioritises for treatment patients with special needs, high risk patients and those who have greater clinical needs and will continue to monitor the operation of the DTSS to ensure the most beneficial, effective and efficient use of available resources.
Responsibility for the Dental Treatment Benefit Scheme rests with my colleague, the Minister for Social Protection.
