Holly Cairns (Cork South West, Social Democrats) | Oireachtas source

Public dental services have been completely abandoned by successive health Ministers. Every child in this country should have three free check-ups during primary school, but waiting lists have got so long that some children are not being seen until they are in transition year.

The number of dentists with a public contract has plummeted from 1,450 in 2012 to only about 600 today. On top of this, the sector is barely regulated. Dentists are not required to keep up competence to practise, there is no regulation of their conduct and there are no inspections of their clinics by the Dental Council. RTÉ reported that 37 dentists were working in Ireland despite being sanctioned abroad, one of whom has a sexual assault conviction. How has this been allowed to happen?

When will we finally see the legislation needed to regulate the sector and assure safety for patients? What is the Government doing to ensure that all primary school children receive their three free check-ups? Will the Government support the Social Democrats motion on this issue, to be taken tomorrow?

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