asked the Minister for Health if he is aware that medical card holders in Laois have to wait for up to six years for the provision of dentures; and if he proposes to take any steps to have the provision of dentures expedited.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Provision of Dentures in Laois.
6.
I understand that there has been considerable delay in the provision of dentures for certain eligible persons in County Laois.
The supply of dentures to persons in the lower income group is primarily a matter for the health authority. It is only fair to the authority that I should point out that, in common with most other health authorities, they are concentrating their limited resources mainly on the provision of dental services for children as that group stand to benefit most from dental treatment.
A restricted service for the supply of dentures to persons in the lower income group is in operation in County Laois, preference being given to expectant and nursing mothers, and to tuberculosis and other patients who are specially recommended dentures on medical grounds. I propose to have enquiries made from the health authority to see whether improved arrangements can be made for the supply of dentures within their limited available resources.