asked the Minister for Health whether he has before him at present any proposals for the introduction of a free denture scheme for the lower income groups in County Wexford.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - County Wexford Free Denture Scheme.
16.
Health authorities are not required to submit to my Department for sanction proposals for the introduction of a denture service for persons in the lower income group but the creation of additional posts requires my approval.
The health authority sought my approval for the creation of an additional temporary whole-time dentist post to provide treatment and dentures for lower income group adults. This approval was granted on 30th November, 1962, and in March last, I approved of the appointment of an individual to fill that post. In the event, this person decided not to accept the appointment. The vacancy was readvertised last September, but the authority have not been able to fill it up to the present. I understand that there is a prospect of an appointment being made early in January next. The authority have also provided a sum of £1,150 for dentures for adults, in the current financial year, and should be in a position to provide dentures for eligible adults as soon as the additional whole-time dentist assumes duty.