Frank Feighan (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 455: To ask the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding dental treatment for persons under the PRSI contributions; the treatments that are available under the new proposals for PRSI recipients; the treatments that are available for children under the school and general medical dental scheme, if a child needs fillings and so on; if they will qualify for same; the procedure under the new guidelines; the number of visits to the dentist school children are now entitled to in a year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31037/10]

Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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Dental treatments available under the treatment benefits scheme are limited to the free examination from 1 st January 2010. The continued provision of a free examination allows people to continue to have regular check-ups and helps ensure the early detection of disease and other health issues.

The dental benefit scheme is a PRSI based scheme available to all who satisfy certain PRSI conditions. A person may also qualify for dental benefit on his/her spouse/partner's PRSI record provided certain conditions are satisfied. However, the dental benefit scheme does not apply to the children of qualified adults.

Questions relating to dental provision for children and the dental service provided in schools are a matter for the Department of Health and Children and should be addressed to my colleague the Minister for Health and Children.