Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 20 Nov 2001

Vol. 544 No. 3

Written Answers. - Dental Service.

Liz McManus

Question:

302 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Health and Children if his attention has been drawn to the fact that persons attending fee paying primary schools are excluded from the public dental service; if he will include these persons in the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28594/01]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Martin):

The provision of dental services to eligible persons is the statutory responsibility of the health boards. Under the Health Act, 1970, a health board has the discretion to extend free dental services to pupils of non-national schools if the governing body of such a school so requests.