asked the Minister for Health if he is aware of the serious position in the Killarney rural area in regard to the school dental service because the post of dental surgeon has not been filled since September 1981; and, if so, the steps he proposes to take to remedy the situation.
Written Answers. - Social Welfare Benefits.
842.
When the vacancy for a dental surgeon in Killarney arose the Southern Health Board requested the Local Appointments Commission to hold a competition for the filling of the post on a permanent basis. Pending the making of a permanent appointment, the board endeavoured to fill the post temporarily but two separate advertisements attracted no applicants. In the meantime the Local Appointments Commission have held a competition for the post and have recommended a candidate for appointment. The board have made an offer of appointment and are awaiting the candidate's acceptance of the offer.
843.
asked the Minister for Health if he is prepared to make a special medical card available to the many child asthma sufferers in view of the hardship created for their families.
The issue of medical cards is a matter for the chief executive officer of each health board. Medical cards are issued to those who, in the opinion of the chief executive officer, are unable to provide general medical care for themselves and their dependants without undue hardship. In assessing the means of applicants for a medical card, chief executive officers have been asked to give sympathetic consideration to applications in respect of asthma sufferers.