Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Independent)
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429. To ask the Minister for Health his views regarding the decline in the number of persons attending consultations with dentists and in those receiving basic dental treatment, particularly since drastic cuts were applied to the dental treatment benefit scheme and the dental treatment services scheme in 2010. [44253/14]

Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)
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The Dental Treatment Benefit Scheme is a matter for my colleague Ms Joan Burton TD, Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection.

Funding for the Dental Treatment Services Scheme (DTSS) was capped in 2010 at the 2008 level of €63 million. However, total spending on the DTSS amounted to €79 million in 2010 reflecting legacy issues. Spending in subsequent years was as follows: €53 million in 2011; €63 million in 2012 and €70 million in 2013. The budget for 2014 was increased to €75 million to take account of the increase in the uptake of services. Percentage uptake of those eligible was 26.66% in 2011, 27.84% in 2012 and 30.49% in 2013 and 29.86% to November 2014.

The HSE prioritises for treatment patients with special needs, high risk patients and those who have greater clinical needs and will continue to monitor the operation of the DTSS to ensure the most beneficial, effective and efficient use of available resources.

The HSE introduced Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for patients eligible for DTSS in November 2011. This is linked with prior approval of claims for treatment such as endodontics. This has enabled increased uptake of such treatments.

Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Independent)
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430. To ask the Minister for Health his position on bringing a new oral health strategy swiftly forward to update his Department’s policy on oral health. [44254/14]

Seán Ó Fearghaíl (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)
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431. To ask the Minister for Health his plans for the production and implementation of a national oral health strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44258/14]

Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 430 and 431 together.

The Department of Health is currently developing a new oral health policy. This is a three year project which commenced in 2014 and is led by the Chief Dental Officer.

The project will have three key parts. The first is a needs assessment, which will inform how new services should be provided. The second part will be a review of resources. Thirdly, there will be consultation with stakeholders, including professional groups and the public, on new ways of delivering oral health services.

The emphasis on prevention rather than intervention is a cornerstone of this policy development. The project is prioritising older adults in the first instance.