asked the Minister for Health whether there is a scheme in operation in (a) the county of Offaly and (b) the county of Laois for the supply of dentures to adults; and, if not, why.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Laois-Offaly Dentures Supply Scheme.
5.
Presumably the Deputy's question refers to the supply of dentures, under the Health Acts, to persons in the lower income group in the two areas named.
I am informed that dental services provided by Offaly County Council for such persons do not include the supply of dentures.
A restricted service for the supply of dentures to persons in the lower income group is in operation in County Laois, preference being given to expectant and nursing mothers, tuberculosis patients and other patients who are specially recommended dentures on medical grounds.
The supply of dentures to persons in the lower income group is primarily a matter for the health authority concerned but it is only fair to the health authorities for the two areas, named above, that I should point out that they, in common with most other health authorities, are concentrating their limited resources mainly on the provision of dental services for children as that group stand to benefit most from dental treatment. I am sure the Deputy agrees that in our circumstances, particularly having regard to our limited resources in personnel, this is the right policy to pursue.
So they cannot even gnash their teeth?
Not unless they are listening to a Labour speaker.