Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 206: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the steps she is taking to direct the Health Service Executive to resolve the ongoing dispute with dentists which is having a direct impact on medical card patients; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28661/07]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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The Dental Treatment Services 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). Since the establishment of a DTSS Review group in May, 2006, a legal issue has arisen with regard to the Competition Act 2002 as it relates to the negotiation of professional fees for dentists. The issues involved are complex and my officials are working with the Attorney General's office to clarify the way forward.

The existing contractual arrangements with private dental practitioners under the DTSS for provision of dental services to eligible patients remain in place, although I am aware that some dentists have indicated that they wish to resign from this scheme. It should be noted that dentists withdrawing from the scheme are obliged to work a three months notice period. If an eligible patient cannot access the services of a dentist because the dentist has resigned from the DTSS, that patient may approach any dentist within the scheme for treatment.