Vol. 555 No. 3
198 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Health and Children if his attention has been drawn to the serious problems that have arisen due to the fact there is no public dentist in the greater Mountbellew area of County Galway, which in turn has led to severe and potentially severe orthodontic problems for young children; when this matter will be rectified; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18447/02]
The provision of dental treatment to eligible persons in County Galway is the statutory responsibility of the Western Health Board in the first instance. The chief executive officer has informed me that the provision of full-time dental care to the Mountbellew area was interrupted from September 2001 when the dental surgeon for the area went on a career break. The board immediately provided a relief of pain service. The chief executive officer is confident that full-time dental care will be provided in Mountbellew following the return of the dental surgeon from leave of absence; this is expected in the near future. Outstanding dental screenings will be carried out as resources allow and children who require priority orthodontic treatment will be identified and provided with treatment as appropriate.
