Billy Kelleher (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail)
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686. To ask the Minister for Health his views on the documented increase in acute hospital admissions for urgent dental treatments; his estimate of the cost of such admissions and the cost-benefit savings which would be realised by greater access to preventive oral health care for patients; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27047/16]

Billy Kelleher (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail)
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687. To ask the Minister for Health his views on the findings of the recently published report entitled, National Clinical Programme for Paediatrics and Neonatology: A National Model of Care for Paediatric Healthcare Services in Ireland (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27048/16]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 686 and 687 together.

No specific study has been undertaken to measure the cost of providing dental services in hospitals. Nevertheless the current policy is that dental care should, as far as possible, be provided in a primary care setting. It should be noted that Orthodontic Departments are frequently located in hospitals and that dental treatment under general anaesthetic is also provided in hospitals. While it is the policy of the HSE that general anaesthesia should, if possible, be avoided in the practice of dentistry, such treatments are provided in hospitals on determination of clinical need.

The Report to which the Deputy refers is currently under consideration in my Department. Future service provision will be informed by the National Oral Health Policy, which the Department of Health is currently developing. The project includes a needs assessment, a review of resources and involves consultation with stakeholders, including dental professionals and the public.

Billy Kelleher (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail)
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689. To ask the Minister for Health the estimated numbers of children who are not being provided with regular school screening programmes in view of the official policy dating back to 1984 which suggests that oral health screenings should be provided at three different primary school classes each year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27050/16]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for reply to the Deputy.