Written answers
Wednesday, 28 February 2024
Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection
Social Welfare Benefits
Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire (Cork South Central, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source
85. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection for an update on the discussions between her Department and the Irish Dental Council in relation to the treatment benefit scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9721/24]
Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source
The Treatment Benefit Scheme provides dental, optical and aural services to insured workers, the self-employed, retired people and their dependent spouse/partner who have the required number of social insurance (PRSI) contributions.
The Department of Social Protection entered into a consultation process with the Irish Dental Association (IDA) at the end of 2022 to review the Dental Contract and the fees being paid by the Department under the Treatment Benefit Dental Scheme. This consultation process concluded in November 2023 and has resulted in the first increase in the rate payable for an oral examination since 2009 and with a dental contract that has been revised to ensure that it complies with competition law and legislation.
The increase in the fee payable for an oral examination has been successfully implemented with effect from 27th January 2024 with the first of the increased payments issuing earlier this month.
I have signed the regulations bringing effect to the new fee structure, as has Minister Donohoe.
I hope this clarifies matters for the Deputy.
No comments