asked the Minister for Health whether, in view of the large number of applicants on the waiting list for the supply of dentures, he has considered the application of the Waterford Board of Public Assistance for sanction to appoint a temporary dentist from a list already submitted to his Department.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Appointment of Dentist in Waterford.
I have received a proposal from the Waterford Board of Public Assistance for sanction to the appointment of a temporary wholetime dental surgeon to deal with persons in the lower income group who have applied for dentures. I have suggested to the board that, in view of the present need for economy in public spending, the proposal should be deferred.
Existing resources are not adequate to provide a fully comprehensive dental service. Accordingly, local authorities have been urged to give priority, in their utilisation of their limited resources in money, personnel and equipment, to the provision of dental services for those who will benefit most —the children. This is in accordance with all the advice available to me.
While I have every sympathy with those who are in need of dentures, I feel that the time for development of a general denture service has not yet arrived.
Would the Minister say whether the difficulty is lack of money or lack of dentists?
Both. Of course if one has not the money one cannot have anything else.