Vol. 524 No. 5
361 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Health and Children the current level of dental service available to children in the Erris area of County Mayo; the proposals there are to improve the service to children in the area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23330/00]
The provision of dental treatment to children in County Mayo is the statutory responsibility of the Western Health Board. I have had inquiries made of the board who inform me that the current situation with regard to dental services in the Erris/Belmullet area, which is included in the scheme, is as follows; there are 19 schools in the area with a total of 1,201 pupils. Children in 2nd, 4th and 6th classes are screened for dental treatment and receive treatment as necessary. All children receive emergency treatment for relief of pain or trauma.
Of the total number of schools, nine are under the care of a private dental practitioner who provides services on behalf of the health board. The other ten schools are in the care of two health board dentists. One of these dentists is a full time officer of the board and travels to Belmullet one day a week and the other works the equivalent of one day a week on a sessional basis. All children are screened for orthodontic treatment need in 6th class by the regional orthodontic department.
