asked the Minister for Health if he intends to make any provision for the dental care of the nation's children who are over 13 years of age and not eligible for school health benefit and whose parents cannot afford to pay dental charges or are in possession of medical cards; and what the position is at the Dublin dental hospital in relation to the waiting list for people who require treatment there.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Dental Services.
83.
Children attending national schools, irrespective of their ages, are eligible for free dental services for defects discovered at school health examinations. Children who have left national school and whose parents possess medical cards are entitled to free dental treatment under section 14 of the Health Act. I do not intend to extend the classes eligible for dental treatment until the services for those at present entitled to them have been brought to a satisfactory level.
The waiting list at the Dublin dental hospital varies with the type of treatment required. For some forms of treatment it is relatively short; for orthodontic treatment the waiting period may be up to two years.
Is the Minister not aware that this question was in relation to people who cannot afford the dental charges? There is tremendous hardship among people who are described as not being in need. They are very much in need. I am thinking of people who are trying to buy their own houses. They are regarded as people of means because they are trying to do that.
This is in regard to children of 13 years of age?
Yes.
I am afraid that the situation is that the dental service cannot be extended at the moment beyond its present level for various reasons which are well known to the House. Even with the improvement in the supply of dental officers we must still attack, as a first priority, the provision of suitable dental treatment for children. I must say I could add to that that I would prefer that the distinction between first-degree or first-level education—primary education—and secondlevel or post-primary education should be abolished. There are a number of children leaving national school at 12 years of age and under the present legislation they then cease to become entitled to any treatment. This is a very important age. I should like to see the old distinction abolished and reference to age substituted for it, so that as time goes on and the situation improves we can raise the age, starting progressively as the service improves. I am aware that there are many people who could do with free treatment.
In the local authorities they have no free dentures scheme. Those who have teeth extracted should be warned that if they get teeth out that does not necessarily mean they will get dentures to replace them. I would prefer to have three or four stumps rather than no teeth at all.
They should be warned that they might not get dentures.
There are cases of children who have to have treatment prior to going to school and under the scheme they will not qualify for such treatment.
Under the new legislation I hope to abolish reference to the school examination altogether. As I pointed out on previous occasions, the pre-school age has serious medical aspects of very great importance. I hope to abolish the reference to school altogether and try to have this service in relation to children irrespective of school, and the earlier in their lives the better.
Is the Minister aware that such children who have to have treatment prior to going to school do not qualify under the scheme? Is that correct?
It is.
That should not be. It is not the fault of the parents.
I appreciate that. As things stand at the moment, I would need the benefit of new legislation to enable me to alter the situation.
Bearing in mind the Minister's hopes and desires, could he say how soon we are going to have this proposed change?
The legislation will be introduced this session and will be ready for discussion in the next session.
Is the Minister satisfied that the scheme is satisfactory at the moment for the people who are entitled to free services?
No. I have expressed my dissatisfaction here on many occasions.