asked the Minister for Health if he will outline the steps which are being taken to reduce waiting lists for dental treatment in health board areas.
33.
Written Answers. - Dental Service.
23.
asked the Minister for Health (1) the total number of persons eligible for health board dental services and the number of dentists employed by the health boards, (2) the number of persons eligible for social welfare dental services and the number of dentists available to service them; and his views on whether the community in general would benefit from improved services by a more effective utilisation of current dental manpower.
45.
asked the Minister for Health when he proposes to set up a major review of dental services in Ireland in order that a more equitable distribution of services could be provided for within the present allocations to the health boards, the Department of Social Welfare and the hospitals.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 23, 33 and 45 together. It is estimated that about 1.7 million adults and children have entitlement to dental services in accordance with the provisions of the 1970 Health Act. The number of dentists employed by the health boards at 31 December 1987 was equal to 246.5 whole time equivalents.
I have asked the Minister of State at my Department to undertake specifically a review of the dental services and to report to me on the matter by the end of April next.
The provision of dental services under the Department of Social Welfare's dental treatment benefit scheme is a matter for the Minister for Social Welfare.