James Bannon (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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Question 191: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the reason for the discrepancies in dental charges from one dentist to another (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24171/07]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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There are no statutory powers available to my Department to address the issue of the cost of private dental treatment. Consequently, the fees charged by dental practitioners for treatment to their private patients is a matter between the practitioner and the patient. Last month, I announced the research and development of a new National Oral Health Policy. This new oral health policy will be undertaken by my Department in conjunction with the HSE. The development of this new policy will allow a critical examination of the many challenges and issues currently facing the dental sector, including the issues of competition as raised by the Competition Authority in its recent report on the dental profession.

James Bannon (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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Question 192: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the reason despite assurances to the contrary the Health Service Executive cutbacks have resulted in dentistry services for children being withdrawn and community care packages being cut back, leaving the National Rehabilitation Hospital unable to admit new patients or discharge existing patients and stroke victims being unable to obtain community care schemes. [24172/07]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.