Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 11 October 2016
47. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the waiting periods for prisoners who require dental treatment and orthodontic dental services; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29829/16]
View answerI am advised by the Irish Prison Service that the range of dental services available to prisoners is consistent with that available under the GMS Dental Treatment Service Scheme (DTSS) and in line with the objective of the IPS to provide equivalence of care in relation to the provision of healthcare services comparable to that available to medical card holders in the community. Emergency dental care is provided. Orthodontic treatment is not available to persons in the custody of the Irish Prison Service.
I am further advised by the Irish Prison Service that Dental Services are provided in all prisons on the basis of an agreed contract, or service level agreement with a local provider of dental services.
The Irish Prison Service does not routinely collate information on waiting lists in the manner requested. Any prisoner who requests dental treatment is normally assessed by the prison dentist and persons in dental pain are accommodated at the next available dental clinic.
