AQW 3755/22-27

Ms Paula Bradshaw
Alliance Party
South Belfast

Tabled Date: 28/09/2022
Answered On Date: 07/10/2022
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister of Health what action his Department is taking to mitigate the impact of soaring expenses for dental practices, when fees to provide Health Service dentistry are fixed by his Department.

Answer:

I have considered and accepted the recommendations made by the Review Body on Doctors' and Dentists' Remuneration (DDRB) in their 50th report that would provide a 4.5% pay uplift to GDPs for 2022/23.

Whilst elements of the pay uplift are outwith the control of the Department of Health, particularly this year, I will do everything I can to implement as soon as possible. This process will also address increases in expenses.

Additional support is also being provided to the sector via the GDS Rebuilding Support Scheme, which has paid a 25% enhancement on all Items of Service undertaken in the first two quarters of 2022/23, and will continue with a 10% enhancement throughout Q3 and Q4.