Ministers reveal plans for improved access to free dental checks in Ireland
Regina Doherty, the social protection minister, has revealed plans for more Irish taxpayers to access free dental checks.
Ms Doherty confirmed that the expanded scheme to provide free dental checks and glasses will be available to employees, as well as those who are self-employed and their dependents. It is estimated that 2.5 million people will qualify for the scheme, including 450,000 self-employed people. The cost of the scheme is estimated at more than 70 million euros.
Ms Doherty said that expanding the scheme underlined the fact that the government was “committed to supporting people at work.” The scheme will benefit those who pay into the Social Insurance Fund on a weekly basis.
Under the new initiative, routine dental checks will be provided free of charge and participants can also access free glasses or subsidies for more expensive pairs or contact lenses. Contributions will also be available towards repairs.
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