Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
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Question 20: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if her Department is carrying out an evaluation of the effects on dental health of cutbacks to the dental treatment services scheme and the dental treatment benefit scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34708/10]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Independent)
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My Department and the HSE are monitoring the effects of changes to the Dental Treatment Services Scheme. Responsibility for the Dental Treatment Benefit Scheme, which provides dental services to insured people, rests with my colleague, the Minister for Social Protection. 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. In consequence, the HSE 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 for adult medical card holders. The HSE will ensure that high risk groups and patients with greatest needs are prioritised. The HSE will continue to engage with dental professionals to ensure clarity and consistency in implementing these changes.