asked the Minister for Health if he is aware that Donegal County Council have not got the services of a dental officer and therefore are unable to provide for people in the lower income group services to which they are statutorily entitled; and what steps he proposes to take in the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - County Donegal Dental Officer.
23.
Thar cheann an Aire. I am aware that although Donegal County Council have authority to employ four wholetime dental surgeons they have no wholetime dental surgeons in employment at present because of recruitment difficulties. I understand, however, that the Local Appointments Commission have, within the past few days, recommended a candidate for appointment as senior dental surgeon in County Donegal.
Apart from wholetime posts, Donegal County Council have arrangements with 12 private dentists to provide treatment for eligible children and adults, on a sessional basis.
The difficulty experienced by many health authorities in recruiting dental surgeons was recently discussed at a meeting between officers of my Department and the county and city managers, and further discussions on this subject are likely to take place soon, to see what can be done to improve matters.
Can the Parliamentary Secretary say whether he has read to us the authorised reply or whether he is speaking for himself in his personal capacity?
I said "thar cheann an Aire".
This is thar cheann an Aire?
Thar cheann an Aire.
We can be quite sure that there can be no contradiction at a later stage? That is helpful.
I am sure it will be very helpful.
It will be very helpful to know what happens in future.