Séamus Healy (Tipperary South, Workers and Unemployed Action Group) | Oireachtas source

I welcome our visitors and thank Mr. Hourihan for his detailed presentation, which highlighted some of the difficulties and indicated solutions that the Irish Dental Association would favour. The presentation was very helpful in that regard.

The presentation details effectively with what amounts to the destruction of the two dental schemes in recent years. That was short-sighted, because the curtailment of these schemes affects the most disadvantaged sections of society, and it is necessary to ensure these schemes or improved schemes are put in place as soon as possible.

Clients come into my clinics to deal with three different areas, the first of which is the question of children being seen in the public service and, as Mr. Hourihan stated, being seen possibly only once very late in primary school or, in some cases, not seen at all. Another area is orthodontic treatment for children, specifically the narrow guidelines indicating whether a child is approved for orthodontic treatment and the huge cost of orthodontic treatment. The third area is the question of emergency attendance, whether at public or private dental services. It is difficult for members of the public, or myself, to understand what is or is not an emergency. One of the witnesses might indicate what would be considered an emergency.

The point made in the submission that there is no chief dental officer in the Department is important. On the question of consultation, negotiation and interaction with the Department, Mr. Hourihan stated that the initial contact regarding the schemes was as far back as January 2012. Has there been any contact, negotiation or consultation since then with the association regarding the replacement of these schemes or issues such as the appointment of a chief dental officer?