Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 27 Apr 1993

Vol. 429 No. 6

Written Answers. - Dental Treatment for Medical Card Patients.

Jim Mitchell

Question:

284 Mr. J. Mitchell asked the Minister for Health if, in the case of medical card patients in the Dublin area in need of dental treatment he will confirm that all referrals to private dentists have been discontinued and that all such cases are now being referred to health board clinics by adding to the length of waiting lists; and if he will revert to the previous arrangement where private dentists are engaged for this purpose; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Health (Mr. Howlin)

It is a matter for each health board to decide how best to provide dental services for medical card holders within the resources available. Dental services to eligible adults are currently being provided by the Eastern Health Board through their own dental staff and in a continuing effort to reduce the waiting period for such treatment additional sessions are being held in their dental clinics.

Some additional funds are available in the current year for improvements in the adult dental services and I have asked the health boards to submit proposals, as a matter of urgency, on the most cost effective use of these resources.