Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 493: To ask the Minister for Health his plans to withdraw the Health Service Executive circular of 26 April 2010 regarding the dental treatment service scheme in view of its impact on medical card holders; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28475/11]

Noel Coonan (Tipperary North, Fine Gael)
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Question 496: To ask the Minister for Health if the cutbacks in dental services to medical card holders as announced by his predecessor remain the same; the advice that should be given to persons in urgent need of treatment for gum disease, extraction and so on who are refused free treatment and unable to pay the relevant fees; if alternative help or service is available from community welfare officers, the Health Service Executive dental service or elsewhere; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28606/11]

Brendan Griffin (Kerry South, Fine Gael)
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Question 516: To ask the Minister for Health if the dental treatment service scheme budget will be increased to meet demand and if preventative treatments will be restored for all medical card holders; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28759/11]

Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Labour)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 493, 496 and 516 together.

Dental services for medical card holders are provided through the Dental Treatment Service Scheme (DTSS). Given the current difficult position of the public finances, the budget has been reduced and it is not possible to increase the services available under the DTSS. The HSE is working to ensure that patients with special needs, high risk patients and those who have greater clinical needs are prioritised for treatment. In addition, free emergency dental treatment and a free oral examination every 12 months are available to all eligible patients.