Vol. 511 No. 6
304 Mr. J. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Health and Children the cost in 1999 and the estimated cost in 2000 of the dental treatment services scheme under which dentists provide services for medical card holders; the number of dentists involved in the scheme; and if he has satisfied himself that medical card holders and their families are being provided with adequate coverage. [25461/99]
I understand from the General Medical Services (Payments) Board that a total of £13.1 million was paid by the board to participating private practitioners to end November 1999. Subject to a settlement being reached with the staff associations through the Health Service Employers' Agency on issues relating to the dental treatment services scheme, I propose to extend services to the 35 to 54 year age group in the year 2000. The estimated cost of operating the scheme in the year 2000, at current cost levels, is £27 million.
Subject to agreement with the staff associations, I also propose to extend services to children in the 14 to 16 year age group next year. When these extensions are completed, I am satisfied that all medical card holders and their families will have a satisfactory level of service.
There are 1,150 dentists currently participating in the dental treatment services scheme of whom 240 are employed by health boards.
