Godfrey Timmins
Ceist:7 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the difficulties being experienced at the Dublin Dental hospital; and the steps, if any, he proposes to take to address those problems.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Dublin Dental Hospital.
Jim Mitchell
Ceist:39 Mr. J. Mitchell asked the Minister for Health the action, if any, he proposes to take to secure the future of the dental hospital.
Tony Gregory
Ceist:65 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Health the findings of the recent interdepartmental report on the Dublin Dental Hospital; if he intends to make the necessary financial assistance available to rebuild the hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Noel Ahern
Ceist:157 Mr. N. Ahern asked the Minister for Health the position on the findings of the interdepartmental report on the future of the Dublin Dental Hospital and its school of dental science; and if provision has been made in the 1994 Estimates for the construction of a new building in view of the threat of closure of existing building, with resulting lack of service for 2,000 patients per week, and loss of 150 jobs.
Noel Ahern
Ceist:175 Mr. N. Ahern asked the Minister for Health the position on the findings of the interdepartmental report on the future of the Dublin Dental Hospital and its school of dental science; and if provision has been made in the 1994 Estimates for the construction of a new building in view of the threat of closure of existing building, with resulting lack of service for 2,000 patients per week, and loss of 150 jobs.
Richard Bruton
Ceist:184 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Health if he has received an interdepartmental report on the need to rebuild the Dublin Dental Hospital; whether this project is under consideration for inclusion in the 1994 capital programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 7, 39, 65, 157, 175 and 184 together. I have received the report of the working group set up to consider and make recommendations on the issues relating to the Dublin Dental Hospital and school. The report recognises the need to locate a dental hospital and school in Dublin and recommends the refurbishment and extension of the existing buildings at Lincoln Place and Westland Row.
I accept the recommendations of the report, chaired by an officer of my Department, and I hope to finalise discussions soon on the financial implications of the report with my Government colleagues.
On behalf of this side of the House, I wish the Minister of State at the Department of the Marine, Deputy O'Sullivan, a speedy recovery. I am sure all Members would share that view.
Deputies
Hear, hear.
In welcoming the Minister's reply about the dental hospital I would impress on him the urgency of the matter. The problems associated with the dental hospital and its structure go back as far as the 1960s. It is time the matter was taken in hand by way of capital injection either for relocating the hospital or a more financially feasible extensive refurbishment of the hospital at its present location.
The importance of that initiative is underlined by the fact that 2,000 people per week attend the dental hospital. We have not acknowledged the tremendous role played by that hospital, particularly in the Dublin area. The disadvantaged and those who might not otherwise benefit from dental treatment are being treated in that hospital. Will the Minister publish that report prior to the budget with a view to imparting some welcome news in 1994 in regard to that hospital?
I strongly endorse the sentiments of the Deputy. The value of the Dublin Dental Hospital is known to everybody, particularly those who frequent the central Dublin area. It treats a large number of patients and has a reputation of having some of the most skilled dental surgeons in the country. From a Government perspective, I am anxious to ensure its continued existence. Shortly after taking up office I was motivated to talk to my colleagues with overlapping responsibilities in that area. Because the Dublin Dental Hospital is an educational institute its subhead is covered under the Department of Education Vote. I have had discussions with the Ministers for Education and Finance, we set up a joint working group chaired by an officer of my Department and their report is now to hand. I hope to be able to take action on that report shortly.