Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 9 Jun 1992

Vol. 420 No. 9

Written Answers. - School Dental Services.

Bernard Allen

Question:

140 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the breakdown of the primary school dental services in the Cork area resulting in the fact that students leaving the sixth class of a number of primary schools in the northside of Cork city in July have not had a dental examination during their eight years in primary school; and if he will make a statement on the critical situation where, because of a lack of staff and inadequate equipment, children are not having the necessary examination and treatment carried out.

Minister for Health (Dr. O'Connell)

I understand from the Southern Health Board that there are heavy demands on the Children's Dental Service in the northside of Cork city with its high school going population.

Because of the heavy demands the board is currently able to provide an annual dental examination for children in 6th class only. In some instances these children are seen after they have left the national school. An emergency service is, of course, provided for all children attending national school.

The board is currently reviewing the dental services provided to national school children in its area with a view to rationalising the service and providing an improved service where possible.