asked the Minister for Health the number of dentists employed by the local authorities in County Kildare; whether their number is at present at full strength; and, if not, when it is expected that they will be at full strength.
5.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - County Kildare Dental Services.
4.
asked the Minister for Health if he is aware of the long delay in supplying dentures in County Kildare; what is the cause of the delay; and when the outstanding applicants will be supplied.
With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 4 and 5 together.
Two dentists, the approved number, are employed by the Kildare Health Authority on a permanent wholetime basis. I have requested the health authority to consider the reorganisation and expansion of the dental services in the area including the question of the creation of an office of senior dental surgeon. The senior dental surgeon would be additional to the two dentists at present employed. My Department is in correspondence with the health authority on this matter.
I am aware that there is delay in the supply of dentures in County Kildare. This delay is occasioned by the limited dental resources available to the health authority and by the need, in accordance with my policy and that of my predecessors, to concentrate these limited resources mainly on the provision of dental services for children. As stated above, the question of the reorganisation and expansion of the dental services is being considered.