Martin Ferris (Kerry North-West Limerick, Sinn Fein)
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Question 382: To ask the Minister for Health the free dental care to which a child over 14 years but under 16 years is entitled; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22960/12]

Martin Ferris (Kerry North-West Limerick, Sinn Fein)
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Question 393: To ask the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to an anomaly in the Health Service Executive's dental care services in which post primary children under the age of 16 whose parents have medical cards, have no entitlement to free dental care; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23158/12]

Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Labour)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 382 and 393 together.

The public health system currently provides a dental service to schoolchildren aged up to 16 years, regardless of whether their parents have medical cards. This service is provided through primary and post-primary schools and to children who are home-schooled. The service is targeted at children in key classes at key stages in their development. Children are given dental examinations and any follow up treatment required at these stages. When required, emergency dental treatment is available to all children up to 16 years, including pre-school children.