Louise O'Reilly (Dublin Fingal, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I thank Professor Lynch. I have one more question. I do not disbelieve the figures that show there is an unusually high level of extractions in Ireland, especially among young children or younger people. Notwithstanding the fact that the people who are material to the new strategy were left out of any meaningful discussion on it, do the delegates believe it will be possible to implement the new strategy with current staffing levels? In attempting to implement the strategy with current staffing levels will it make any meaningful difference to the high level of extractions? As a layperson, my reading is that the high level of extractions, particularly among children, is an indication that they are not undergoing their three dental checks in primary school. I can hold my hand up in that regard. Although it is a good while since I had any interaction with a primary school, it definitely did not happen three times. Given the strategy and current staffing levels, is there any hope we will see a meaningful reduction in the level of extractions? That is assuming I am correct in saying difficulties and missed appointments are flagged.