Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

That was actually the Social Welfare Bill, which I introduced last year. I can confirm that the changes to the dental benefit scheme will come into effect from 28 October, that is, in a few days' time. From that date, dental benefit will provide for a payment towards either a scale or polish, or, if clinically necessary, protracted periodontal treatment, in addition to an existing free dental exam. If the normal fee charged by the individual dental clinic for a scale or polish is €42 or less, the treatment will be free to the customer. However, if the normal fee is over €42, the customer will pay the balance up to a maximum co-payment of €15. The Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection will make a payment of €42 in regard to protracted periodontal treatment, with the customer responsible for the balance of any fee over this amount.

The dental examination and treatments outlined will be available once per calendar year and, for the first time, will be extended to farmers and the self-employed who pay PRSI at class S. This is the restoration of the free scale and polish with the maximum co-payment of €15. It is very much part of the Government's policy of expanding social insurance and making work pay.

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