Vol. 497 No. 2
232 Mr. P. Carey asked the Minister for Health and Children if his attention has been drawn to the fact that school dental services have been withdrawn from Holy Child infant school, Larkhill, Dublin 9; the reason for this curtailment of services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24408/98]
The provision of dental treatment to eligible persons in Dublin 9 is the statutory responsibility of the Eastern Health Board.
I have had inquiries made of the Eastern Health Board. I understand that in August and September of this year the dental team which operates in Larkhill dental clinic was part of a review of the school dental services in the Dublin North-West area. As a result of this review it was decided to increase the number of sessions worked by Larkhill clinic and as such a second dental surgery is currently being planned by the board. This second dental unit is likely to be operational within the next six months. A consequence of this review is that the dental treatment to those school children who live in the Larkhill area will be increased and extended.
I understand that confusion arose between the principal of the school and the clinic with respect to the continuity of the delivery of the service. I have been advised that this uncertainty has since been rectified and the school is very pleased with the ongoing expansion and development which is occurring in the dental service.
