Joe Behan (Wicklow, Independent)
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Question 107: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the detail of changes in dental benefit available to medical card holders in all categories, particularly in the category of those medical card holders over 70 years of age; the justification for such a policy change; if there are plans to change the eligibility to a medical card for spouses of medical card holders over the age of 70 years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20793/10]

Brian O'Shea (Waterford, Labour)
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Question 122: To ask the Minister for Health and Children her proposals to make good the shortfall in dental services for all persons on low incomes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20924/10]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Independent)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 107 and 122 together.

The Government's 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 Health Service Executive (HSE) has introduced measures to contain DTSS expenditure at the 2008 level of approximately €63 million. Under the new measures, some treatments which had previously been available in the Scheme, for example, dental cleaning and polishing have been suspended. Other treatments, such as oral examinations and fillings, will continue to be provided but will be limited in number or frequency. More complex, non-routine treatments, such as protracted periodontal treatments, will be available only in the case of clinical emergencies. The HSE will monitor the ongoing effect of these changes from a clinical and budgetary perspective. The dental and oral health services currently provided through the HSE Public Dental Service will not be affected by these changes to the DTSS.

Under the Health Act 2008, a single person aged 70 or over will qualify for a medical card if his/her gross income is €700 per week or less. Both members of a couple, where at least one member of the couple is aged 70 or over, will qualify for a medical card if their combined gross income is €1,400 per week or less. The Government is satisfied that these arrangements are equitable and there are no plans to amend the legislation in this regard.