asked the Minister for Health if he is aware that children who have not had dental treatment before leaving primary school are being faced with dental costs of £100 and over for treatment after that date; and the steps he proposes to take to ensure that children are not deprived of free dental treatment which they are legally entitled to.
Written Answers. - Free Dental Treatment.
252.
If the defects are noticed when the child is eligible, the child is covered for free dental treatment.
I am not aware that the position is as stated by the Deputy.
As the Deputy knows, Ireland in common with virtually all countries is experiencing a shortage of dentists in relation to a growing demand for treatment. Within the constraints imposed by this manpower shortage health boards make available dental treatment and appliances for agreed priority groups of eligible persons including children. These services are provided in respect of defects noticed at health examinations for preschool children and pupils of national schools. The service is provided by whole-time public dental officers as well as by dentists in private practice who, by agreement with the boards, make time available to them for the treatment of eligible persons. The Deputy will be glad to know that, for the first time ever, the number of public dental officers has recently reached 200.
I am satisfied that, in a situation where dentists are in short supply, this arrangement makes the best possible use of available dental manpower.