Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 13 May 1993

Vol. 430 No. 7

Written Answers. - Dental Service for Medical Cardholders.

Colm M. Hilliard

Ceist:

105 Mr. Hilliard asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the lack of finance available to provide a proper dental service for adult medical card holders at the Navan dental clinic in County Meath and that, as a result of the financial constraints on the North-Eastern Health Board, the poorest of our community cannot be provided with simple dental treatment; if his attention has further been drawn to the fact that the dental clinic premises are also totally unsuitable; and if he will provide extra finance to improve the facilities so that extra dental staff can be accommodated.

Minister for Health (Mr. Howlin)

It is a matter for the North-Eastern Health Board to decide the level of funding for the provision of dental services for adult medical card holders in County Meath from within their 1993 allocation. I understand from the board that approximately £86,000 is allocated for the provision of adult dental services in County Meath.

Some additional funds are available in the current year for improvements in the adult dental services and I have asked the health boards to submit proposals, as a matter of urgency, on the most cost effective use of these resources.

My Department provided a special allocation towards the end of 1992 allowing the board purchase new dental equipment for three dental surgeries. The health board will have an alternative suitable building to accommodate this equipment and existing services shortly.