Vol. 547 No. 1
535 Mr. Aylward asked the Minister for Health and Children if, further to Parliamentary Question No. 259 of 4 December 2001, he will state the plans which are with his Department to have dental treatment made available in the South-Eastern Health Board area to adults with disabilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1571/02]
The provision of dental treatment to patients with special needs is the responsibility of the health boards in the first instance. The chief executive officer of the South-Eastern Health Board has informed me that the board provides dental treatment to adults with disabilities at the board's community care centres. Furthermore, adults requiring dental treatment under general anaesthetic are treated at some of the board's general hospitals.
However, it is the policy of the SEHB to refer patients who are medically compromised and who need complex restorative care to the tertiary care dental unit in University College Hospital, Cork. This policy decision by the health board ensures the welfare and safety of these patients.
