asked the Minister for Health what steps he proposes to take to provide a proper dental service throughout the State for the holders of medical cards.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Dental Services.
12.
I am anxious that an improved dental service should be provided for persons in the lower income group who are eligible for dental services from local health authorities. The extent to which such a service can be provided is, however, limited by two factors viz. the dental personnel and the funds available. It is settled policy that dental services for children, who in the long run will benefit most, should be given priority in the use of the available resources. According as personnel and funds become available, however, services for adults are being improved, due regard being had to the need to maintain and improve the services for children.
The Deputy may be particularly interested in the position in County Mayo where two wholetime dental surgeons are at present employed by Mayo County Council. These two dental surgeons are fully occupied in providing a dental service for children. Some months ago I approved of the creation of a senior dental surgeon post in Mayo and a few weeks ago I also approved of the creation of another ordinary wholetime dental post. Steps are being taken to have these two posts filled through the Local Appointments Commission. When Mayo County Council have the services of four dental surgeons, it should be possible for them to provide some dental services for persons in the lower income group.
Would the Minister say whether it is possible for local authorities to engage the services of a dentist on a sessional basis where the dentists concerned are not available for wholetime employment or where a county council finds it difficult to get dentists to take up wholetime positions?
That is quite correct. In certain parts of the country, dentists are employed on a sessional basis.
Therefore, there is no objection to it in principle?
Within limits, within the amount available.
Is the Minister not aware that the Cork County Council endeavoured to get his approval for the appointment of dentists on a sessional basis and after waiting for three years for a reply, it came in the negative, that on no account would he approve of the employment of such dentists? That was immediately prior to the advent of the unified health authority.
Perhaps we were waiting until the new health authority could apply its intelligence to that problem and to get a better proposal than that put forward by the Cork County Council.
It took you three years to make up your mind.
If it were not for the difficulty of reconciling opinions in Cork, it might not have taken three years.
13.
asked the Minister for Health if he is aware that in County Kerry holders of medical cards, some of whom are the mothers of families, have been awaiting the supply of dentures for several years; and if he will take steps to remedy the position and to speed up the provision of dentures and dental attention for these people.
I understand that for a number of years past a denture service for persons in the lower income group was not provided by Kerry County Council. However, in December last, a scheme to provide dentures was introduced and I am informed that progress is being made in reducing the numbers on the waiting list for dentures. Priority in the provision of dentures is given to expectant and nursing mothers.
As regards dental attention, I understand that Kerry County Council provide a reasonably satisfactory service for persons in the lower income group and that, normally, there is no undue delay in providing treatment.