asked the Minister for Health when it is intended to introduce a proper scheme for the supply of free dentures in County Wexford.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Provision of Dentures.
8.
The provision of dentures under the health services for eligible persons in the area concerned must be considered in relation to the provision of dental services generally by the local health authority. Such services are provided in the area by three whole-time dental officers, supplemented by a number of private dentists employed on a part-time or sessional basis by the health authority. In common with other health authorities, the Wexford County Council is utilising its available dental resources, in personnel and funds, on the provision of services mainly for children because, in the long term, they will stand to benefit most from dental treatment. In these circumstances, the council is in a position to provide dentures only on a limited priority basis for persons in the lower income group. Until the dental services for children are brought up to a reasonably satisfactory level, it will not be feasible for the council to provide dentures for all eligible applicants.
Dental services in County Wexford have improved in recent years by the employment of additional personnel and the health authority is continuing its efforts to maintain that improvement.
Would the Minister not agree that in relation to those who hold medical cards the scheme for the provision of dentures is very limited indeed?
As the Deputy well knows, my predecessor has indicated the progress made in the development of the dental service and that great progress still has to be made.
What is the use of taking out people's teeth if you cannot give them teeth in return?
The Deputy knows that there is a question of a third permanent post being considered by my Department in order to improve the service.
Is it not a fact that the dental provisions of the Health Act, 1953, have not yet been brought into operation?
It is a fact that a great deal of development is still required and has to be regarded in connection with other medical priorities. The Deputy is fully aware of the position. The position has been explained to the House on a great number of occasions. There is the difficulty of securing dentists. On a recent date the Minister arranged for an improvement in the conditions applying to the appointment of dentists which has resulted in an increase in the number of dentists for serving local authorities on a full-time and a part-time basis. I shall follow the work of my predecessor in trying to see what further improvements can be effected in this very important service.
Surely the Minister would consider that after the passage of 16 years there might be some apparent progress now towards providing a service which was enshrined in the Health Act, 1953, and was thereby promised to the people of this country?
In the Health Bill before the Dáil there are provisions for further improving the dental service.
There is no Health Bill before the Dáil.