Ms Laverne McGuinness:

Deputy Ó Caoláin asked about children's dental services, particularly in terms of the use of general anaesthetics in Dublin. That service was provided in St. James's Hospital until last year when the accommodation was no longer suitable under health and safety standards. There is a short to medium-term solution, but the medium to long-term solution is for the new service to be provided in the new children's hospital. The children who need it currently have been provided a private service, with up to 300 children having been referred. The plan is to re-examine the location at St. James's Hospital with a view to upgrading it so that the facility can be re-opened for general anaesthetic services for children.

We will get Senator van Turnhout more comprehensive information on the palliative care co-ordination as it relates to the hospice-friendly hospitals.