Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 10 Jun 2003

Vol. 568 No. 1

Written Answers. - Dental Service.

Paul Connaughton

Question:

548 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Health and Children when a suitably qualified person will be available in the dental care area to visit the national schools in north Galway which have not had such a service to date; if the post advertised on 19 December 2002 has been filled; if the service has been restored; if not, the avenues open to parents of children who need onward referral for orthodontic treatment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15516/03]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Martin)

The provision of dental services to eligible persons in County Galway is the statutory responsibility of the Western Health Board in the first instance.

The chief executive officer of the Western Health Board has informed me that, in regard to dental services staffing in north Galway, the post of dental surgeon was advertised on 19 December 2002 and interviews were held on 23 May last. A number of suitable candidates were interviewed and the board is now going through the process of appointing a successful candidate.

The chief executive officer has further informed me that when the vacancy arose in north Galway, the board immediately provided a relief of pain service. The chief executive officer is confident that full-time dental care will be provided following the appointment of a successful candidate. Outstanding dental screenings will be carried out as resources allow and children who require priority orthodontic treatment will be identified and provided with treatment as appropriate.

In this regard, my Department provided additional funding of €5 million in June 2002 from the treatment purchase fund to health boards specifically for the purchase of orthodontic treatment. This funding is enabling boards to provide both additional sessions for existing staff and purchase treatment from private specialist orthodontic practitioners. Under the scheme, the Western Health Board received €465,000 for the treatment of cases in this way.