Tim O'Malley (Limerick East, Progressive Democrats)

I thank the Senator for giving me this opportunity to inform the House of the developments that have taken place in the dental services, which are aimed at providing services to those children with special needs. The House should be aware that the provision of dental treatment to patients with special needs is the responsibility of the health boards in the first instance.

I am aware that the level of dental care has declined in all socio-economic groups. However, children from socially disadvantaged groups and those with disabilities suffer disproportionately from the effects of oral disease. Important steps have already been taken to focus greater attention on developing dental services for people with special needs.

A mark of a civilised society is the extent to which it caters for the needs of those with disabilities. Frequently, their voice is not heard to the same extent as that of other groups. Significant research is underway regarding the oral health needs of persons with disabilities. This research is part of the National Survey of Adult and Children's Dental Health being carried out by health boards, University College Cork and the Department of Health and Children. The outcome of this research will be used in the formulation of a new strategy for the dental services. Ultimately it will have a major impact on the evolution of dental services in the future.

In 1994, the dental health action plan was agreed which allowed for the reorientation of the dental services towards the provision of structured care for special needs patients. In this regard, health boards have restructured their dental services to give greater recognition to those involved in delivering dental services to persons with special needs.