Dr. Joe Green:

We are not planning on phasing out anyone. The policy was only published recently and the HSE's intention is to work with the Department of Health and other stakeholders to deliver an implementation plan. The future role of HSE dental clinics will depend on the profile of services to be developed. I envisage the existing staff will undergo quite a level of upskilling in order to provide a greater level of service for people with disabilities who require special care. That would involve investment in skills and in facilities.

I cannot cite the number of clinics that will be in existence in five to ten years because they change from time to time in order to build better facilities but I can say we will be investing in staff. There is quite a lengthy transition period under the plan. We will be providing our existing service at all times with the priorities of care currently in place. If a parent who has a child experiencing pain contacts a clinic, they will be offered an appointment the same day or the following day. We aim to keep that service in place at all times.