asked the Minister for Health the proposals, if any, which will be implemented in 1988 to improve availability of dental services to those eligible under existing schemes.
Written Answers - Dental Services.
48.
It is a matter for the health boards to allocate the funds available to them between the different services they provide and therefore the implementation of improvements in the level of dental service provided is a matter for the boards in the first instance.
However, my Department are examining, in conjunction with the Irish Dental Association how best to organise services for eligible patients, the associated cost and the manner in which services can best be provided given available resources.
My Department are also engaged in discussions with the Dublin Dental Hospital with a view to ensuring that the number of eligible patients treated at the hospital is increased.