Timmy Dooley (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Cathaoirleach. I am conscious that this is the last week of business before the recess and the Order of Business matters are fairly much taken up by now. I ask the Leader if she might organise a debate at the earliest opportunity when we return after the recess with the Minister for Health on the area of dental services for persons with medical cards. It has come to my attention for a considerable period of time that for whatever reason a lower number of dentists are now accepting patients with medical cards. I do not want to suggest that it is the fault of the dentists and there may be some issue within the system. However, young people in particular are being greatly affected. Quite frankly, the cost of dental services for people on low incomes or on medical cards generally is too high. We know the importance of dental hygiene and of people taking care of their dental health. We have to get to the bottom of this as quickly as possible.

A town like Killaloe up until recently had access to a dentist who accepted medical cards. That is no longer the case for whatever reason. That is not good enough and is affecting many people in the area who will now have to travel perhaps to Nenagh or Limerick. For some, particularly those on low incomes and medical cards, that is too far. We know that in situations like these people who cannot afford the private services will unfortunately opt to feed their children or spend the money on other very essential services and their dental health will be left behind. We are also aware of the damage that can do to one’s health generally and we certainly know that children who do not have good dental hygiene from the early stages, or do not have access to a check-up on a regular basis, suffer later in life. This is one of those very important issues which we need to focus on. Perhaps the Leader could organise a debate in September. I thank the Cathaoirleach.