Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry South, Independent)
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369. To ask the Minister for Health the position regarding the delivery of oral and dental care (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45242/14]

Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry South, Independent)
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375. To ask the Minister for Health his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding oral hygiene; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45303/14]

Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry South, Independent)
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378. To ask the Minister for Health his views on securing and maintaining oral health (details supplied) in the early years of a person's life; the way this will be achieved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45329/14]

Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 369, 375 and 378 together.

The role of the Department of Health is in the development of policy and the role of the HSE is the implementation of the policy. The National Service Plan of the HSE outlines the priorities of the HSE on agreement with the Minister and the Department of Health annually. The oral health key priorities are indicated in the National Service Plan and in the Divisional Operational Plans for the HSE. The National Service Plan for 2015 is currently being finalised.

The Dental Treatment Service Scheme (DTSS) provides access to dental treatment for medical card holders over the age of 16. All medical card holders are entitled to specific dental treatments e.g., an annual dental examination, two fillings in each calendar year, extractions as necessary. Additional treatments are available to persons with specific medical conditions including persons in receipt of care or services for a disability and persons on a register of disability. 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. Funding for the DTSS, which was capped at the 2008 level of €63 million, has increased to €75 million this year to take account of the increase in the uptake of services.

The HSE introduced Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for patients eligible for the 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.

Dental services for children up to 16 years of age and persons of all ages with special needs are provided by the Public Dental Service of the HSE through its dental clinics. All HSE dental clinics prioritise emergency care for children up to 16 years of age, treatment for special needs patients and screening of children aged from 11 to 13 years, including referral for orthodontic services where necessary. Other services, including screening of children 6 to 8 years, are provided but may be deferred in clinics where there is pressure on resources.

The Department of Health is in the process of 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. The ethos and principles for adults will provide a framework for the policy on children which will follow. In line with the 'Healthy Ireland' policy framework there will be a focus on a life course approach and the 0-5 age group will be considered in this context.