Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 689: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if a person in receipt of a medical card as a result of a UK entitlement will lose the dental benefit element of this entitlement; the refund due to the UK Government as a result of this change in entitlement; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32885/10]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Independent)
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There are no plans for persons in receipt of a medical card as a result of a UK entitlement to lose the dental benefit element of their entitlement.

The Government's decision announced in Budget 2010 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 the range of treatments available are being prioritised. These measures have been introduced to protect access to emergency dental care for medical card holders, including persons in receipt of a medical card as a result of a UK entitlement, and to safeguard services for children and special needs groups. Services for high-risk patients and those requiring exceptional care continue to be available. The remaining care provision is subject to prior approval, which will be required from a clinician in the HSE, who will prioritise for: high risk and exceptional patients; those requiring emergency care, and; patients who are considered to have greater clinical urgency and/or necessity in receiving care.

Where prior approval is required for the treatment, the HSE principal dental surgeons will apply their professional judgment to determine, in the circumstances, whether or not there is a clinical emergency, and whether or not treatment should therefore be approved. The HSE will also 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.

Jack Wall (Kildare South, Labour)
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Question 690: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding an appeal against the decision not to grant a medical card in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32886/10]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Independent)
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As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.