With your permission a Cheann Comhairle, I propose taking questions 42 and 43 together.
The statistical information requested, in so far as it is available in my Department, is in the form of a tabular statement which, with your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to circulate with the Official Report.
Following is the statement:
Dentures and Spectacles supplied by Donegal County Council.
Year (ended 31st December)
|
Dentures Supplied
|
Opthalmic Examinations
|
Spectacles Supplied
|
1963
|
80
|
2,300
|
1,942
|
1964
|
105
|
2,271
|
1,440
|
1965
|
32
|
2,048
|
1,673
|
1966
|
Nil
|
2,278
|
1,826
|
1967
|
14
|
3,356
|
2,050
|
1968
|
386
|
3,900
|
2,196
|
Number of Persons at present awaiting
|
(i) Dentures
|
51
|
|
(ii) Ophthalmic
|
899
|
|
Examination
|
(including children).
|
NOTE: Information not available regarding the numbers of applications for dentures or spectacles.
Difficulty in the supply of dentures by Donegal County Council in recent years arose from a shortage of dental staff. Following the recruitment of 3 whole-time dental officers there has been an improvement in the supply of dentures over the past year. Continuing efforts are being made to fill three other approved posts of dental surgeon.
I understand there is no undue delay in the supply of spectacles by the Council after the persons concerned have been examined and spectacles are prescribed for them. However there has been a very considerable increase; in recent years, in the numbers of persons for opthalmic examination. My Department has asked the Council for a report on the position and the steps it proposes to take to clear the present waiting list.