Ciarán Cannon (Galway East, Fine Gael)

I am taking this Adjournment matter on behalf of my colleague, the Minister for Health and Children, Deputy James Reilly.

I am happy to have the opportunity to address the issue of the provision of dental services at Derrinturn Health Centre, County Kildare, as raised by Deputy Bernard Durkan. The service provided has operated approximately two days per week. Up until now it has been provided on a part-time basis by a dentist from Naas clinic. To ensure the most efficient and effective use of staff and resources, the HSE took the decision to centralise the service in Naas. This measure will ensure adequate emergency and routine services are provided for children in a timely fashion. Centralising the resources and eliminating a dentist's travel time will ensure more time, resources and facilities will be available to treat local schoolchildren.

The schools, parents and local services have been informed of the move. I emphasise that the service is not being discontinued; rather it is being relocated to Naas. Services for other schools in the vicinity have previously been moved to Naas. Parents and children have been very satisfied with the services subsequently provided for their care.

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