Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Social Democrats) | Oireachtas source

I thank the witnesses for their presentations. There is no doubt that dentistry seems to be the forgotten branch of healthcare. While progress has been made in most other branches of healthcare, it is baffling that dentists are stuck in a pre-FEMPI situation and that the legislation is so outdated.

I would love to know why this is the case. Is the blockage or deaf ear in the Department, the HSE, or both? I am glad to hear about the new oral health unit and that some progress is being made, however slow, in that regard. Is there a reason for the lack of interest on the part of the Department? Can anybody explain why that has been the case?