Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 April 2026
2813. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Health to set out comprehensively all the medical card entitlements under the Supports for Survivors of Residential Institutional Abuse Act 2025; to include whether or not prescription charges are waived for holders of this Act's medical card; and the dental and orthodontic benefits attaching to this Act's medical card [24361/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department of Education and Youth’s Supports for Survivors of Residential Institutional Abuse Act 2025 was signed into law in July 2025. The Act makes available - amongst other supports - the provision of health services without charge to survivors of residential institutional abuse, in the form of a medical card administered by the HSE.
The health supports to be provided under the 2025 Act are similar to those under the standard medical card but with some additional benefits. The supports include, a general practitioner service, approved prescribed drugs, medicines, medical and surgical appliances, home nursing, home support services, dental, aural, ophthalmic and chiropody services. In addition, the survivors’ medical card will be for life and will not be subject to review or means-testing. Holders of this medical card will not be required to pay prescription charges and will have improved access to counselling and physiotherapy services. The HSE will also appoint dedicated liaison officers for survivors.
Dental care under the medical card for survivors will be provided under the Dental Treatment Services Scheme (DTSS). The DTSS provides dental care, free of charge, to medical card holders aged 16 and over. Services available annually and on demand include an examination including preventative elements, two fillings, extractions, and a scale and polish. More complex care, such as additional fillings, dentures, and a broader range of treatments for patients with additional needs (e.g. surgical extractions, restoration/amalgam filling etc.) and high-risk patients are also available subject to the approval of the local HSE Principal Dental Surgeon. HSE Principal Dental Surgeons can be reached through the local HSE dental clinics.
