Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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Question 328: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if she will conduct an examination of denture provision in this State, including the teaching of dentistry and the manufacture of dentures, the price charged for dentures by dentists as against the lower fees charged by dental technicians; her views on the deregulation of dentistry with regard to denture provision and the call to allow technicians to provide denture services to all who need them, including medical card holders; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36710/06]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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My Department is currently involved in a review of the Dental Treatment Services Scheme (DTSS) which involves the examination of fees. Research has commenced in University College Cork to examine denture provision in Ireland. This research is ongoing. It includes the evaluation of training in making and providing dentures.

The preliminary report on the research being carried out by UCC will be available by the end of this year. The Review of the DTSS is being dealt with by the Health Service Executive (HSE).

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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Question 329: To ask the Minister for Health and Children her views on whether deregulating the denture provision sector would result in savings for the State and the private citizen; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36711/06]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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The Dental Council is the statutory body established by the Oireachtas under the Dentists' Act 1985 that may, with the consent of the Minister, make a scheme for establishing classes of auxiliary dental workers. It is within the Dental Council's remit to consider a change in the method of provision of dentures. The question of any amendment to the current position is a matter for consideration by the Dental Council in the first instance.

My Department will give due consideration to any proposal received from the Dental Council in the matter.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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Question 330: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the number of persons who qualify by virtue of PRSI payments on waiting lists for dentures; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36712/06]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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The provision of dentures under PRSI is a matter for the Department of Social and Family Affairs. That Department will be in contact with the Deputy directly. A copy of the Deputy's question has been forwarded for attention there.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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Question 331: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if her Department is represented in current court proceedings regarding the deregulation of the denture supply service; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36713/06]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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I presume the question relates to the case determined in the High Court in 2003 concerning the practice of denturism. My Department is represented by the Chief State Solicitor's Office in the matter. As the case is now under appeal to the Supreme Court it would not be appropriate for me to comment at this time.