702. Deputy Aidan Farrelly asked the Minister for Health the estimated cost in 2027 of a 7.5% increase on spending under school dental scheme. [52646/26]

The HSE Public Dental Service aims to provide an oral examination and necessary treatment for

children at ages approximating to second and sixth class and, in some cases, fourth class. Emergency

care is provided for children of all ages up to 16 and for those with complex and additional needs.

The 2025 budget for the Public Dental Service was €68 million. Based on this budget, an increase of 7.5% would cost an additional €5.1 million. With this increase, it would lead to an estimated total spend in 2027 of €73.1 million. This estimate does not account for orthodontic services.