Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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Question 241: To ask the Minister for Health if the findings of a survey by the Irish Dental Association has been brought to his attention; if he has quantified the economic costs to his Department in view of the critical findings in this report including increased incidents of gum disease, extractions, broken dentures and loose teeth arising from cuts to the dental treatment services scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19324/11]

Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Labour)
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My colleague, the Minister for Health, met the Irish Dental Association on 26th May last to discuss a range of issues, including their concerns about changes to the Dental Treatment Services Scheme (DTSS) and the findings of their survey. In view of the current position of the public finances it is not possible to increase spending on the DTSS, which is currently being maintained at the 2008 level of approximately €63 million. Last year the Health Service Executive (HSE) introduced measures to ensure that patients with special needs, high risk patients and those who have greater clinical needs receive priority for treatment. The HSE will continue to monitor the operation of the DTSS to ensure the most beneficial, effective and efficient use of available resources.