David Cullinane (Waterford, Sinn Fein)
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181. To ask the Minister for Health his plans to advance a successor to the dental treatment services scheme considering the recent collapse in the number of dentists contracted on the scheme; if he has engaged with dentists regarding the reason for widespread withdrawal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23382/21]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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The Dental Treatment Services Scheme (DTSS) provides dental care, free of charge to medical card holders aged 16 and over. These services are provided by independent dental practitioners who have a contract with the HSE. Patients may choose to have their treatment undertaken by any dentist who participates in the Scheme.

I am aware that there has been a reduction in the numbers of dentists participating in the DTSS since the beginning of the current COVID-19 pandemic. Some people are experiencing problems in accessing a service close to their home, however, I have been assured by the HSE that their local services on the ground will assist any persons who are experiencing problems in accessing a service.

I want to ensure the sustainability and viability of the DTSS so that all eligible persons can continue to receive the services that they deserve from their local dentist of choice. My commitment to the profession and to the public is for a review of the Scheme, in keeping with Smile agus Sláinte, the National Oral Health Policy.

David Cullinane (Waterford, Sinn Fein)
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182. To ask the Minister for Health if he plans to engage with an association (details supplied) in collective bargaining as the representative group of dentists in the same way that he engages with other professional representative groups and trade unions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23383/21]

Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Social Democrats)
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238. To ask the Minister for Health if a framework agreement has been negotiated between his Department and an association (details supplied) to allow the association to represent its members; the status of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23564/21]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 182 and 238 together.

I have given a commitment to the dental profession and to the public for a review of the Dental Treatment Services Scheme, in keeping with Smile agus Sláinte, the National Oral Health Policy.

I am anxious to ensure that there are no barriers to engagement between the Department and the Irish Dental Association (IDA) in this regard. I am aware of the IDA's concerns about its collective bargaining rights and I have asked officials in my Department to engage with the organisation on his matter.