Eugene Murphy (Roscommon-Galway, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I wish to ask the Minister a question about dental treatment, which is on this list. There is a major problem regarding the provision of dental treatment for children. I have had a few conversations with the Minister regarding University Hospital Galway. Due to his intervention, we got a machine replaced there that was broken. The issue of concern to me is that a number of parents have approached me whose children have been on waiting list for a considerable period. Many of those children are in primary school but they will not get treatment until they have gone into secondary school. It is very necessary treatment. The children involved are concerned and upset that this matter will not be sorted out before they go to secondary school. Is there any light at the end of the tunnel, as there are fairly extensive problems in this area. The Minister has spoken to me about this matter on occasions when I approached him. There was a difficulty in University Hospital Galway with having an orthodontist replaced. I do not know whether that vacancy has been filled. The Minister might provide an update on that. If he cannot do so today, I would appreciate if he would contact me next week or whenever.