asked the Minister for Health if he will provide funds to the Midlands Health Board to enable it to extend its anaesthetic facilities for dental treatment to all persons at present awaiting such treatment in its area; if he is aware that such facilities are provided only for children and in emergency cases and that a person (name supplied) in County Laois has been awaiting such treatment for some time; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Dental Treatment.
2.
Arrangements for dental treatment, under general anaesthetic, for eligible persons are primarily a matter for the health board. No current proposals for an extension of existing facilities have been made to the Department.
I understand, on inquiry from the board, that while there may be scope for some improvement in the facilities provided, there is no significant waiting list of cases for treatment, apart from that at the County Hospital Portlaoise. I am advised that the person referred to by the Deputy may expect to be called for treatment in about 4 weeks' time. Treatment will, of course, be provided immediately should this be essential.