Dental Services Provision

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 11 November 2014

Tuesday, 11 November 2014

Ceisteanna (386, 413)

Joanna Tuffy

Ceist:

386. Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Health if he will take immediate action to provide alternative facilities to cater for children in the Dublin area requiring multiple dental extractions under general anaesthetic; his views on whether young children are being put at risk because of the closure of the dental clinic at St. James's Hospital, Dublin 8, which provided care for 3,000 children each year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43062/14]

Róisín Shortall

Ceist:

413. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health further to my correspondences requesting him to provide funding for private contracted dental services until such time as a replacement for the St. James's Hospital clinic is established, if he will make an urgent decision on this request so that children in need of extractions may access a service without further delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43198/14]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Health

I propose to take Questions Nos. 386 and 413 together.

The dental clinic in St. James's Hospital, which provided dental extractions under general anaesthetic for children in the greater Dublin area, ceased in October 2014 due to problems with the suitability of the building. The HSE is seeking a long term solution for the provision of a service for children with these needs. In the meantime, urgent cases requiring immediate treatment due to pain or swelling are being dealt with as necessary at private centres in Dublin and at no cost to the families. Parents who have concern in relation to this matter should liaise closely with their local public dental clinic, and particularly so if there is any deterioration or pain being experienced since their last dental assessment.