Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 23 September 2020
208. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Health if urgent consideration will be given to issues raised in correspondence (details supplied) concerning the difficulties in delivering health services; and if assistance will be provided to the sector as promised by his predecessor; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25856/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra212. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Health if concerns raised in correspondence by a person (details supplied) in relation to the dentistry profession will receive a response; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25873/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra216. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Health the amount of funding provided to independent dental practitioners for PPE since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic [25908/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 208, 212 and 216 together.
I am aware of the difficulties that the current Covid-19 pandemic poses for the dental profession. My Department has worked with the Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) to provide guidance to allow for the resumption of the safe provision of routine care. The HPSC advises that regular PPE, which has always been used, is generally sufficient for routine dentistry. This is supported by the Dental Council which has indicated that dentists must take a case by case assessment when deciding if additional PPE is warranted.
My Department, in conjunction with the HSE, is examining the issue of the provision of PPE across all parts of the health service, including health service contractors.
The Dental Treatment Services Scheme (DTSS), which currently provides a range of dental treatments to medical card holders will need to be revised in order to align it with modern evidence on oral health needs and provision of dental services. My Department is committed to reviewing the provision of dental care for those eligible for public services and will engage with representatives of the dental profession in this regard.
I am aware of the delays in accessing some services provided by the HSE, caused in part by the necessary concentration of resources at managing the current COVID-19 pandemic. However, I understand that the HSE expect most services to return to normal in due course.
