Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 265: To ask the Minister for Health and Children her plans to ensure that the dental scheme for medical card holders is secured into the future. [12310/07]

Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 334: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if a person who holds a medical card can no longer access dental treatment through the family dentist; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12770/07]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 265 and 334 together.

The Dental Treatment Service Scheme (DTSS) provides for a range of dental services for adult medical card holders from participating dentists holding contracts with the Health Service Executive (HSE). The DTSS Review Group was established in May 2006 to undertake a comprehensive review of Primary Care Oral Health Services provided under the DTSS. Represented on the Review Group are the HSE, the Health Service Employers Agency, the Department of Health and Children, the Department of Social and Family Affairs, the Department of Finance and the Irish Dental Association (IDA). The Group is chaired by Mr Finbar Flood.

Since the Group was established, a legal issue has arisen with regard to the Competition Act 2002 as it relates to the negotiation of professional fees. My Department has sought legal advice from the Attorney General in this regard. In the meantime, the management side has offered to continue discussions on the non-fee element of the review. The IDA has not accepted this offer.

I understand that the IDA has balloted its members on a proposal to withdraw the association's support from the DTSS and that this proposal has been carried. The existing contractual arrangements with private dental practitioners under the DTSS for the provision of dental services to eligible patients remain in place.