asked the Minister for Health if he is aware that seafarers entitled to free medical care are encountering great difficulty in obtaining their entitlements while on leave due to lengthy waiting lists, particularly for dental care, and if he will instruct the health boards and dental clinics to give special priority to seafarers that they might avail of regular check-ups and treatment.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Seafarers' Medical Care.
7.
Delivery of health care always presents problems in the case of persons, such as seafarers, whose occupation entails absence from home for long periods. I appreciate that this could give rise to particular problems in the case of certain health services, such as dental care, which are under heavy pressure at present.
However, health agencies normally take these difficulties into account as far as possible when arranging appointments, and eligible persons, including seafarers, in need of urgent dental treatment are normally provided with services on the basis of absolute priority.
I am asking the health boards to review their arrangements in this respect and to ensure that they are adequate and are adhered to.