Written answers

Tuesday, 26 June 2018

Photo of Danny Healy-RaeDanny Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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359. To ask the Minister for Health if he will address a matter (details supplied) regarding dental care under the medical card system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27633/18]

Photo of Anne RabbitteAnne Rabbitte (Galway East, Fianna Fail)
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384. To ask the Minister for Health when the pre-economic crisis budget for the dental treatment services scheme will be reinstated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27828/18]

Photo of Simon HarrisSimon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 359 and 384 together.

The national approach to future oral health service provision will be informed by the National Oral Health Policy. The aim of the policy is to develop a model of care that will enable preventative approaches to be prioritised, improve access and support interventions appropriate to current and future oral health needs. The policy is currently being finalised and I expect it will be published later this year.

It is my intention to progress the development of appropriate contractual proposals on the part of my Department and the HSE once the Oral Health Policy has been published. This will be a necessary precursor to a process of engagement with contractors on the future delivery of oral health services.

The Public Service Pay and Pensions Act 2017 has put the setting and varying of payments for contractors on a non-emergency statutory basis, to enable the continued determination of payments to contractors based on a range of considerations, including affordability and value for money

It is my intention to consult with contractor representatives on a new multi-annual approach to fees, including a phased exit pathway from FEMPI, in return for service improvement and contractual reform and in line with Government priorities for the health service.

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