Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick East, Labour)
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Question 191: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if she will address the hardship caused by the lack of free dental care for medical card patients between the ages of 12 and 16; when she expects such care to be provided; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4089/08]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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The statutory position governing the eligibility of children to dental treatment is Section 66 of the Health Act, 1970, the Health (Amendment) Act 1994 and the Health (Dental Services for Children) Regulations, 2000 (S.I. No. 248 of 2000). Responsibility for delivery of health services is a matter for the HSE.

Children in specific classes in national school, usually second, fourth and sixth class, are targeted for preventive measures under the school based approach; the children in these classes are screened and referred for treatment as necessary. The programme has been specifically designed to ensure that children are dentally fit before they leave national school. The screening provided in second, fourth and sixth classes ensures that follow up appointments for examination, treatment or orthodontic review are made, as necessary, with the Dental Surgeon in the clinic designated for the particular school(s). Children who have attended national school retain eligibility to dental treatment up to their 16th birthday.

Since the 1st May, 2007, the Irish Medicines Board (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 2006, (Commencement) Order 2007 (S.I. No. 194 of 2007) has extended the provision of dental services to children attending any primary school.