Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 17 February 2022
315. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Minister for Health if he is considering measures to address the impact the high rate of inflation is having on dentists who are operating the dental treatment services scheme to avoid a further loss of dentists from the scheme due to resourcing issues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8922/22]
View answerI acknowledge the issues of concern to dentists with current arrangements under the Dental Treatment Services Scheme (DTSS). I have given a commitment to a substantive review of the Scheme, which will include fees paid to dentists. Additional funding of €10 million was provided in Budget 2022 to address immediate issues with the DTSS, which is on top of the annual allocation of €56 million for 2022. Officials in my Department met with the Irish Dental Association in December 2021 to address both of these issues and it is my Department's intention to hold further talks in the coming weeks.
