asked the Minister for Health if he will indicate the position regarding the number of dentists catering for the population and community of Ballymun, Dublin; if he will confirm whether there has been any reduction in the staff of late; and, if so, if he will guarantee that the dental staff strength will be restored to a degree that is necessary to cater for the needs of the population of the Ballymun/Poppintree/Santry area.
Written Answers. - Ballymun (Dublin) Dental Staff.
352.
Prior to 27 January the Ballymun area was served from the Ballymun dental clinic by one full-time dental surgeon and another dental surgeon who provided a service on four days per week. From 30 January the Ballymun clinic has had the services of one full-time dental surgeon and one part-time dental surgeon doing three to four sessions per week. From 6 February the principal dental surgeon for this part of the city, who monitors the dental needs of the area generally, is providing one further session per week in the Ballymun clinic. This level of staffing is considered to be adequate to meet the needs of the area which, unlike some other areas of the city, has no waiting list for treatment.