Marcella Corcoran Kennedy (Offaly, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I welcome the opportunity to raise this issue which is of such importance to parents of primary school children in counties Offaly and Laois. I am raising this issue as a result of numerous representations which I have received from parents who are extremely concerned that dental check-ups or screenings are not being carried out as frequently as was the norm in the past by the midlands public dental service.

We know from our census figures that our population and that the children eligible for and requiring the service has seen a considerable increase in recent years. From 2008 to 2017, County Offaly has seen an increase of 4%, while County Laois has seen a much larger increase of 25% in the same period. In fact, if we go back as far as 2002, the figures are even more concerning, especially in County Laois which has seen an increase 46% in numbers of children aged five to 12 years of age.

What is the problem? There has been a reduction in dental surgeons available to provide basic dental care. This has led to significant concerns for parents who were depending on the programme which had been rolled out to first class, fourth class and sixth class pupils. Despite the increase in the number of children eligible to avail of the service, the number of whole-time equivalent dental surgeons has reduced dramatically in counties Offaly and Laois by 56%. As far back as 2009, fourth class had to be dropped from the service altogether, while only first and sixth class targeted for routine treatment. Now in 2017, only sixth class is being targeted. As for first class children, preventive treatment will be provided to them only if resources are available.

The midlands public dental department needs an increase of at least 3.5 whole-time equivalents to return to the previous provision of the service to first, fourth and sixth class. We know best practice guidelines advise that, at the very least, children should have an annual check-up. We are slipping further away from that target. Accordingly, it is imperative the dental department in the midlands gets sanction from Health Service Executive, HSE, management to recruit a vacant dental surgeon position. A major recruitment drive for dental services must be a priority for approval by the HSE. I know the parents of primary school children in counties Offaly and Laois expect no less and their children deserve no less.

Catherine Byrne (Dublin South Central, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I am taking this matter on behalf of the Minister, Deputy Harris.

I thank Deputy Corcoran Kennedy for the opportunity to address the issue of dental services provided by the HSE in the midlands. Dental services for children up to 16 years of age and persons of all ages with special needs are provided by the public dental service of the HSE through its dental clinics. HSE dental clinics provide a screening and fissure sealant programme for children at key stages of development, that is, children aged 11 to 16; children aged six to eight; and, where resources are available, children aged nine to 11. The service includes referral for further treatment, including orthodontic treatment, where necessary. Emergency care for children up to 16 years of age and treatment for special needs patients is also provided.

The issue raised is an operational matter for the HSE. Officials in the Department of Health have contacted the HSE about services in the midlands. I am informed by the HSE that, based on current staffing levels, the dental service in the midlands has targeted children in sixth class in the school year 2016-2017. Where resources permitted, children in first class were also targeted for preventive treatment. The HSE anticipates the service will target sixth class again in the next academic year.

The Minister, Deputy Harris, has asked the HSE to investigate this matter and write directly to the Deputy. There is a commitment in A Programme for a Partnership Government to introduce a preventive dental health programme for children under 12 and adult medical cardholders. The national oral health policy, which the Department is currently developing, will inform future provision of dental services. The aim of the policy, which is being led by the chief dental officer, is to develop a model of care that will enable preventive approaches to be prioritised, improve access, and support interventions appropriate to the current needs. These are matters which the Minister intends to consider in the context of the implementation of the health commitments in the programme for Government and having regard to the funding available to facilitate such measures.

Marcella Corcoran Kennedy (Offaly, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State, Deputy Catherine Byrne, for her reply. I welcome the fact that she stated the Programme for a Partnership Government contains a commitment to introduce a preventive dental health programme for children under 12 and adult medical card holders.

The thrust of my Topical Issue matter concerns children in primary school. Children in primary schools in Offaly and Laois are being put at risk of undiagnosed oral disease because the HSE is not providing the staff numbers required. We are fast heading towards having the service reduced to an emergency service instead of one with proper routine care. This is absolutely unacceptable. The HSE's management must be urged to take action. I appeal to the Minister of State to ensure the Minister, Deputy Harris, immediately requests that the filling of the vacant dental surgeon position be sanctioned. This matter arose in May 2016 and the post still has not been sanctioned. It is crucial that we try to return to the level of service we were rolling out a little less than ten years ago. I realise, of course, we have been through a very difficult crisis in this country but it is unacceptable in 2017 that our primary schoolchildren are being exposed to the risk of oral difficulties.

Catherine Byrne (Dublin South Central, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I have noted carefully the Deputy's concerns and frustrations. In the good old days, when we were on the ERHA and we travelled around the country with the South-Western Area Health Board, one of the topical issues was orthodontics. Children in the early stages of their schooling were not looked after properly and got worse as they got older. I know the Deputy is well aware of what is needed in the area and the number of posts that need to be filled. The proposal will be considered. As stated, it is part of the Estimates for 2018. The Deputy has highlighted an urgent need to recruit someone at this very early stage. Children cannot wait until the Estimates are completed for a service to be put in place.

I concur with what the Deputy has said and I make the Minister aware of her frustration and concerns and, above all, the fact that children are waiting to be seen in classes other than first and sixth classes. They are developing very serious dental and oral health needs. I will make sure that I bring to the attention of the Minister the statistics I have taken down on the populations in the areas the Deputy mentioned.