asked the Minister for Health if his Department intend to arrange for the provision of a dental clinic for school-going children in the Cabra area, Dublin.
27.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Dublin Clinics.
26.
asked the Minister for Health if it is his intention to arrange for the improvement in accommodation and increase of dental officers in the Dublin Health Authority's clinic at Finglas.
With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 26 and 27 together.
The provision or extension of dental clinics in the Dublin area, and the allocation of dental staff to these clinics, are primarily matters for consideration by Dublin Health Authority.
I understand, however, that Dublin Health Authority intend to establish a dental clinic in the Cabra area, when suitable premises can be obtained for this purpose.
I am informed that Dublin Health Authority do not propose to extend the dental clinic accommodation or increase the dental staff now available at Finglas health centre. A dental surgeon and a dental attendant are engaged full-time at this clinic at present.
Having regard to the many complaints about the shortage of staff in Finglas for administering dental treatment to children, will the Minister ask Dublin Health Authority to look into the complaints?
In Finglas there is a fully equipped dental clinic available at the Health Centre, Ballygall Road, and a dental surgeon and a dental attendant are employed full-time at this clinic. Dublin Health Authority have indicated that they have no immediate proposals to extend the accommodation or increase the number of dentists at this centre. The waiting period for treatment at Finglas, while not as short as at some other clinics, is shorter than at Crumlin, Whitehall, Killarney Street and Vernon Avenue clinics.
I just want to draw the Minister's attention to the fact that the clinic serves Finglas East and Finglas West and it is considered by many people, even by some members of the Minister's own Party, that it is understaffed.
This is primarily a matter for Dublin Health Authority. It cannot be taken up by Dublin Corporation until proposals emanate from the health authority.