Réada Cronin (Kildare North, Sinn Fein)
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195. To ask the Minister for Health the help or solutions that are in place for persons who are being denied essential dental treatment on their medical card; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3939/22]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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It is regrettable that a significant number of dentists chose to leave the Dental Treatment Services Scheme (DTTS) that provides care for medical card patients during the pandemic, which has led to difficulties for medical card patients in accessing dental care in some parts of the country. In such circumstances, I have been assured that the HSE Public Dental Service is seeking to provide emergency cover for any medical card patients who are experiencing such problems.

I have given a commitment to a substantive review of the DTSS, which will include fees paid to dentists. I have also acknowledged the immediate issues of concern with current arrangements under the Scheme.

My officials met with the Irish Dental Association in December to address both of these issues. It is the intention of my officials to hold further talks in Q1 of this year.

I would also wish to point out that I secured additional funding of €10 million in Budget 2022 to address immediate issues with the DTSS, which is on top of the annual allocation of €56 million for 2022.