Louise O'Reilly (Dublin Fingal, Sinn Fein)
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722. To ask the Minister for Health the cost of introducing a twice yearly six-monthly scale and polish for all medical card holders under 70 years of age, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35183/17]

Louise O'Reilly (Dublin Fingal, Sinn Fein)
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723. To ask the Minister for Health the cost of introducing protracted periodontal treatment for all medical card holders under 70 years of age, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35184/17]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 722 and 723 together.

The cost of increasing the level of service provided by the HSE would depend on a number of factors, including the underlying oral health of the population, the way in which such a service would be provided, the level of service that would be provided, and the likely level of take-up of such services. Therefore it is not possible to provide the estimated cost as requested. The National Oral Health Policy which is being led by the Chief Dental Officer in the Department will inform future provision of dental services. It will take account of commitments in the Programme for Government and have regard to the funding available to facilitate such measures.