Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 8 May 2024
599. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health if he is in agreement with the Irish Dental Association’s policy paper “Towards a Sustainable Oral Healthcare Service”; the extent to which he expects a reliable fund stream to be available for this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20691/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraOfficials in my Department met with the Irish Dental Association (IDA) on 12 April 2024 in order for the IDA to present its position paper "Towards a Sustainable Oral Healthcare Service" and to discuss the next steps on implementation of the National Oral Health Policy, Smile Agus Sláinte. This meeting was the second between the IDA and the Department of Health this year, and a further meeting is provisionally scheduled for next month.
The IDA's paper uses the WHO Global Oral Health Strategy as the foundation and "building blocks" to implement the National Oral Health Policy and thereby reform oral healthcare services in Ireland. I fully support the WHO Strategy and subsequent WHO Global Oral Health Action Plan. Officials in my Department coordinated Ireland's input during the drafting of the Strategy and continue to lead Ireland's work in implementing the Action Plan. In addition, my Department liaised with the WHO throughout the development of the National Oral Health Policy. Accordingly, the National Oral Health Policy itself reflects the ethos, practices and intentions of the WHO Global Oral Health Resolution, Global Oral Health Strategy and Global Oral Health Action Plan.
Implementation of the National Oral Health Policy is a top priority for the Government and will improve patient access to oral healthcare services. An implementation plan for the first (2024-2026) phase of rollout is being developed jointly between my Department and the HSE, for consultation and publication in Q3 2024. Development of the clinical aspects of new services for children and adults is underway and the implementation plan for the Policy will provide clarity on the timings and milestones for the first phase to end-2026.
The implementation plan will also address workforce planning and legislative reform. The progressing of any measures with resource implications will be dependent on the outcome of the normal budgetary process in any given year.
