Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 116: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if she will withdraw the HSE circular of 26 April 2010 regarding the dental treatment services scheme in view of its impact on medical card holders; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19740/10]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Independent)
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This decision to limit the funding available to the Dental Treatment Services Scheme (DTSS) was made in view of the current position of the public finances and the 60% increase in expenditure in the DTSS over the past five years. The HSE has introduced measures to contain DTSS expenditure at the 2008 level of approximately €63 million. This reflects the imperative to achieve overall reductions in public expenditure while providing essential health services to patients. The HSE will monitor the ongoing effect of these changes from a clinical and budgetary perspective.