Vol. 506 No. 2
220 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason for the delay in the promised extension of dental cover to school going children up to the age of 16; and if he will make a statement on the matter indicating the prospective date for its implementation. [14816/99]
230 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Health and Children if dental treatment will be made available to school children up to the age of 16 and not stopped at the age of 14; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14897/99]
Dental treatment services for children are being developed in accordance with the dental health action plan. The plan provides for the extension of eligibility for dental services to children after they leave national school up to 16 years of age on a phased basis.
In the initial phase of the plan eligibility for dental services has been extended to children up to their 14th birthday. I proposed to extend entitlement up to 16 years as soon as issues relating to the proposed restructuring of the health board dental services have been resolved with the staff associations concerned.
