Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick County, Fine Gael)
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331. To ask the Minister for Health his plans to extend dental cover to children under six years of age; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17452/19]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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On 3 April 2019, I published Smile agus Sláinte, the new National Oral Health together with my colleague Regina Doherty TD the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection.

The new Policy will support a preventive approach. Under the Policy the introduction of oral healthcare packages of care for children under 6 years of age will be prioritised in 2020 and made available to all children under 16 on a phased basis. These packages will consist of examinations, assessments, advice, prevention interventions, emergency care and referral as appropriate. The packages will be provided in a primary care setting by oral healthcare practitioners contracted by the HSE.