andMr. P. Barry asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to a report to the effect that there is a possibility of the dental hospital in Cork being closed down; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
13.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Cork Dental Hospital.
12.
Mr. L. Burke
Mr. L. Burke
andMr. P. Barry asked the Minister for Health if, in view of the fact that the plans for a new regional hospital in Cork incorporate proposals to provide a new dental unit, he will take the necessary steps to ensure that the present dental hospital is retained pending completion of the new hospital.
14.
Mr. L. Burke
andMr. P. Barry asked the Minister for Health if he is aware that 20,000 people who are not medical card holders have received treatment at Cork Dental Hospital in the past year; that, in addition to students, dental nurses and technicians are being trained there; that over 40 people are employed on a whole or part-time basis in the hospital; and that any proposals to close the hospital would mean a serious imposition on the rates in Cork Borough; and if in view of this he will take the necessary steps to prevent the hospital from being closed.
With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 12, 13 and 14 together.
I have seen the report which refers to proposals arising from meetings between representatives of the National University of Ireland and Trinity College, Dublin. Such proposals, including those relating to education in dentistry, fall to be considered by the governing authorities of the university bodies concerned in the first instance. It is expected that these bodies will submit recommendations on the proposals to the Higher Education Authority who will submit their views to the Minister for Education. I would refer to the statement made by the Minister for Education about these proposals when replying recently to the debate on the Estimate for his Department.
It is clear that no decision has been taken to discontinue the teaching of dentistry at University College, Cork, or to close the Cork Dental Hospital. It would, therefore, be premature to discuss the issues raised by the Deputies at this stage.
Can the Minister assure the House that there is no question of closing down the facilities of the Cork Dental Hospital to the public?
I have just given the reply.
Is the Minister aware that there is great public concern over the closing of the Cork Dental Hospital and will the Minister assure the House that he will consult with all the local interests involved?
The main point is that, when the Minister for Education is able to take any decisions as a result of the proposals made by the Higher Education Authority on changes in the position and the status of the universities, he will naturally refer any proposals to me which involve (1) changes in the teaching of medicine and (2) difficulties in connection with the provision of services to the public. It is quite evident that there will be a discussion between myself and the Minister for Education on such matters.