Vol. 549 No. 2
105 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason there is only one dentist employed to serve all accident and emergency departments of the Dublin hospitals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6195/02]
The chief executive officer of the Dublin dental school and hospital has informed me that last year, the hospital received approximately 49 calls from the accident and emergency departments of general hospitals requiring the dentist providing emergency cover to visit. Consequently, the chief executive officer is satisfied that the emergency cover provided by the dental school and hospital is meeting the current demand for its emergency service. In addition, there is an oral and maxillofacial service available, with consultant cover, at Beaumount Hospital, the Mater Hospital and St. James's Hospital.
