John Deasy (Waterford, Fine Gael)
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Question 297: To ask the Minister for Health and Children her plans to restore the dental treatment benefits withdrawn from medical card holders; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36239/10]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Independent)
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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. There are no plans to reverse these changes.

Under the new measures the range of treatments available are being prioritised. Other than emergency care, the remaining care provision is subject to prior approval by 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.

The HSE will monitor the ongoing effect of these changes from a clinical and budgetary perspective and will continue to engage with dental professionals to ensure clarity and consistency in implementing these changes. The dental and oral health services currently provided through the HSE Public Dental Service for high risk groups will not be affected by these changes to the DTSS.

Pat Breen (Clare, Fine Gael)
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Question 298: To ask the Minister for Health and Children when an application will be processed in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36249/10]

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.

Jack Wall (Kildare South, Labour)
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Question 299: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding the renewal of a medical card in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36250/10]

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.