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Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 8 May 1969

Vol. 240 No. 6

Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Supply of Dentures and Spectacles.

42.

asked the Minister for Health if he will state in respect of the years 1963-64, 1965-66 and 1967-68 the number of applications or inquiries by eligible people under the Health Acts for (a) dentures and (b) spectacles to the Donegal County Council and the number issued; and the number outstanding.

43.

asked the Minister for Health if he is aware of the long delay in the supply of dentures and spectacles to patients in County Donegal; the reasons for the delay; and what action he proposes to take to remedy the situation.

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.

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