asked the Minister for Health what progress, if any, he has made towards the introduction of a free denture scheme for those in the lower income group in County Wexford.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - County Wexford Free Denture Scheme.
9.
In my reply to his Parliamentary Question of 20th November, 1963, on this subject, I informed the Deputy that on 30th November, 1962, I approved of an additional dentist to provide treatment and dentures for lower-income group adults. I indicated that the health authority had had difficulty in filling the post.
The position now is that the health authority has secured the services of a temporary wholetime dentist, who took up duty on 1st February, 1964. The time of this dentist will be devoted mainly to the provision of dental treatment and dentures for adults in the lower income group. I understand that he is at present concentrating on providing dental treatment for expectant mothers; dentures will then be provided for such patients in this category as require them. Other priority cases, such as tuberculosis patients and persons recommended dentures for urgent medical reasons, will also be dealt with early, followed by eligible persons outside these priority categories.