Brian Stanley (Laois-Offaly, Sinn Fein)
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The issue raised by Deputy Munster, while not listed on the agenda, is a burning issue across the State. Given these schemes are funded by the Department, I ask that Ms McGirr would come back to the committee with an update on them. The adult dental services scheme for medical card patients has collapsed right across the country. There is not a dentist in County Laois or, as mentioned by Deputy Munster, in Drogheda who will take on that scheme. I raised it last week in the Dáil with the Taoiseach. Other Deputies raised it as well. There needs to be a sense of urgency about it. I am concerned in terms of what has just been pointed out by Deputy Munster that the next meeting is not until June.

Separately, on the school dental scheme, those of us who are over 40 will have been seen by a dentist in second and third class. My granddaughter will be 16 soon. Some of the children in her class are 17 and they have not yet been seen under the school dental scheme. That is widespread across the country. I ask that Ms McGirr would come back to the committee on the school dental scheme, including where things are at with it and what exactly the problem is. For example, is the pipeline of training and recruitment the problem? Oireachtas Members need information. This has to be fixed. As I said, the scheme has collapsed and that is not acceptable. I do not expect the witnesses to have the answers to everything today, but for committee members and Oireachtas Members, I want the witnesses to come to the committee with a detailed note on the matter.

I note Deputy Hourigan wants to come in.