Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry South, Independent)
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101. To ask the Minister for Health his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding cuts to dental care here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15865/15]

Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)
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The Public Dental Service (PDS) of the HSE provides emergency, routine and preventive oral health services to children under 16 and people of all ages with special needs. Orthodontic services, also delivered by salaried dental staff of the HSE, are provided to eligible patients based on the level of clinical need. The budgets for the PDS and orthodontic services have been maintained at approximately €60 million and approximately €16 million respectively. Oral health care is provided to medical card holders by dental practitioners contracted by the HSE under the Dental Treatment Services Scheme (DTSS). Since 2011, when expenditure was €53 million, there has been a significant increase in expenditure on the DTSS. €63 million was spent in 2012, €70 million in 2013 and 2014 and the budget for 2015 is €76 million.

At present a new oral health policy is being developed by the Department of Health. This three-year project commenced in 2014 and is being led by the Chief Dental Officer. The project has 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 on new ways of delivering oral health services. On 6 May there will be a consultation day involving key stakeholders, including dental professionals. I look forward to continued collaboration with and input from the dental profession as this project progresses.