Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 11 Mar 1993

Vol. 427 No. 8

Written Answers. - Dental Service.

Charles Flanagan

Question:

216 Mr. Flanagan and Mr. J. Bruton asked the Minister for Health if legislation will be required to fulfil the promises in the Programme for a Partnership Government 1993-97 to require newly qualified dentists to do a year of community vocational service and to provide free dental services to all under 16 years of age; the costs involved; and the plans, if any, he has to amend the legislation governing dental services.

Minister for Health (Mr. Howlin)

Programmes for compulsory vocational training for newly qualified dentists already exist in a number of EC countries and such programmes are likely to become mandatory within the EC generally in a number of years.

My Department is currently in discussion with the Post-Graduate Medical and Dental Board and the Dental Council on the preparation of detailed proposals for the introduction of such a scheme in Ireland. Initially it is intended that this will be introduced on a voluntary basis. This will not require any amending legislation.

The extension of eligibility for free dental treatment will require an amendment to the Health Act, 1970.

The Government has provided an amount of £2 million to provide for the phased improvement of dental services in accordance with theProgramme for a Partnership Government.