To ask the Minister of Health what action he is taking to ensure that dental practices can continue to sustainably provide health service treatments, in light of 12 per cent dental inflation rates.

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 General Dental Practitioners for 2022/23. However, unlike my colleagues in other parts of the United Kingdom, I am unable to announce the immediate implementation of these pay awards locally, as Northern Ireland still does not have an agreed Executive Budget 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.

Additional support is also being provided to the sector via the General Dental Services Rebuilding Support Scheme, which has paid an 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.