Mr. Fintan Hourihan:

The specific reference in my presentation was the suggestion that a scheme would be introduced for children under seven that would be delivered in private practice by dentists. No such scheme exists and children are seen through the school screening service. We say it is inappropriate because if the current service was properly resourced, it would allow all children in schools to be screened on three separate occasions in primary school. Where the service makes contact with the school, it ensures every last child is tracked down and screened. What has been suggested is that there be no attempt to remedy the problems. Instead the proposal is that money be put into a scheme where very limited treatments will be provided by private dentists when we believe private dentists do not have the capacity and are not the best people to do it. Money would be better spent on rectifying problems in the public service.