Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire (Cork South Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

If someone is on a medical card, it is close to impossible to be seen by a dentist, as things stand. I have seen some new figures for the Cork area.

In 2019, there were 287 dentists on the dental treatment service scheme, DTSS. There are now just 188. In my area, south Lee, there has been a 44% reduction during the same period, from 108 dentists to just 60. This has caused problems, in particular in Carrigaline, but also in other parts of my constituency, across Cork and throughout the country. It is becoming increasingly difficult to find dentists. It is not only individuals and families who will pay a price for this down the road but also the system as dental ill-health increases. The DTSS clearly needs to be reviewed and a modern up-to-date contract is needed. It is profoundly impacting the dental health of people in my constituency and across the country and urgently needs to be reviewed.

See this speech in context