Deirdre Clune (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 699: To ask the Minister for Social Protection if he will provide in tabular form a breakdown of the number of staff engaged to process dental and optical benefits in the years 2008, 2009 and 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1070/11]

Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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The Treatment Benefit Scheme (which includes Optical and Dental Benefits) was staffed to the following levels at 31st December in each of the years in question:

HEO EO SO CO Total

2008: 2 6 4.73 69.3 82.03

2009: 2 5 5.73 69.3 82.03

2010: 1 3 2.75 32 38.75

The reduction in staff levels in 2010 reflected the reduction in claim volumes following the Budget changes announced in December 2009, which limited the scope of the optical and dental elements of the scheme to a free examination.

Staffing levels in the area are reviewed on a regular basis and adjusted as required to ensure that an efficient quality customer service is delivered to customers and practitioners.