asked the Minister for Health the number of dentists employed by the local authorities in County Longford; whether their number is at present at full strength; and, if not, when it is expected that they will be at full strength.
11.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Longford-Westmeath Dental Services.
10.
asked the Minister for Health the number of dentists employed by the local authorities in Westmeath; whether their number is at present at full strength; and, if not, when it is expected that they will be at full strength.
12.
asked the Minister for Health if he is aware of the long delay in supplying dentures in Counties Longford and Westmeath; what is the cause of the delay; and when the outstanding applicants will be supplied.
With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 10, 11 and 12 together.
In County Longford, three dental surgeons are employed by the health authority. One is permanent and whole-time and the other two are employed part-time on a fee-per-session basis.
In County Westmeath, four dental surgeons are employed. Two are permanent and whole-time and two are employed part-time on a fee-per-session basis. A proposal, submitted last month by the health authority, for the employment of an additional part-time dental surgeon on a sessional basis is under consideration.
There is a fairly large waiting list for dentures in County Longford and I understand that there is a long waiting period, particularly in the non-priority group. More than a quarter of the health authority's total expenditure on dental services is allocated towards the provision of dentures and approximately 150 full sets of dentures are provided annually, priority being given to tuberculosis cases, expectant and nursing mothers and to persons specially recommended for dentures for urgent medical reasons. The balance of the health authority's expenditure on dental services is, in accordance with my policy and that of my predecessors, concentrated on the provision of services for children. Nevertheless, in view of the delay in the supply of dentures for adults, I propose to inquire from the health authority if steps can be taken to improve the position.
I understand that in County Westmeath there is no undue delay in the supply of dentures to eligible applicants. As in the case of Longford, more than 25 per cent of the health authority's total expenditure on dental services is allocated to the provision of dentures.