asked the Minister for Health if he will outline the plans in progress for the extension of the public dental service; and when these plans will be fully implemented.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Public Dental Service.
77.
As indicated in the White Paper on the Health Services, it is proposed as a first step and as funds become available to expand the dental staffs of health authorities and the facilities at their clinics, so that there can be a fully effective treatment and follow-up service for children and others now entitled to it.
When that has been achieved the Government's intention is that the scope of the service should be extended to cover wholetime pupils of vocational and secondary schools and the middle income group generally, subject to the payment of approved charges for treatment.
The improvement of the existing dental service is handicapped, however, by the difficulty experienced by many health authorities in recruiting dental surgeons, even for existing posts. This difficulty was discussed last week between officers of my Department and the County and City Managers, and further discussions will be held soon. The practicability of making suitable arrangements with private dentists to provide treatment for eligible adults is also being considered in my Department at present.
It is not possible at this stage to indicate precisely when the plans will be fully implemented.
Is the Minister aware that there are many dentists even in his own county who are prepared to return and take up duty here, provided they are sufficiently remunerated for their work? That is the reason for the trouble.
I accept that it is part of the reason, but it is only part of the reason.