Imelda Munster (Louth, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

This is about the fifth time I have raised this issue. There are tens of thousands of medical card holders across the State who cannot access a dentist for almost two years now. Just think about that - almost two years without access to a dentist. What other western country, or government for that matter, would allow something like that to continue? There are people with serious illnesses, cancer, diabetes or complex dental needs. There are people living in pain. Who in government is taking responsibility? It is clear that it is not being prioritised. People are left almost two years without access to a dentist. Can the Taoiseach give a date to those people as to when they will be able to access their basic right in any civil society to have access to dental care? Can he give a date? Will it be before Christmas, for example?

As I said, I raised this five time before. I ask that the Taoiseach does not regurgitate the same response that he has given €10 million extra. People cannot access dental care. That is the issue. When will they be able to do it? Will they be able to do it before Christmas?

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