Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 28 February 2024
83. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Social Protection to outline the situation with relation to her Department’s negotiations with the Irish Dental Council regarding payments for treatment benefit; if she is aware of dental practices increasing prices for patients availing of dental services through their PRSI benefits; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9641/24]
View answerThe Treatment Benefit Scheme provides dental, optical and aural services to insured workers, the self-employed, retired people and their dependent spouse/partner who have the required number of social insurance (PRSI) contributions.
The Department of Social Protection entered into a consultation process with the Irish Dental Association (IDA) at the end of 2022 to review the Dental Contract and the fees being paid by the Department under the Treatment Benefit Dental Scheme. This consultation process concluded in November 2023 and has resulted in the first increase in the rate payable for an oral examination since 2009 and with a dental contract that has been revised to ensure that it complies with competition law and legislation.
The increase in the fee payable for an oral examination has been successfully implemented with effect from 27th January 2024 with the first of the increased payments issuing earlier this month.
I have signed the regulations bringing effect to the new fee structure, as has Minister Donohoe.
The Department is not aware of dental practices increasing prices for patients availing of dental services through their PRSI benefits. However, if there are instances of this, it should be reported to the Treatment Benefit Section for appropriate action.
I hope this clarifies matters for the Deputy.
