Tim Lombard (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

As the Minister of State rightly pointed out, the issue here is geographical. Unfortunately, trying to get services in locations that might not be the centre of Ireland is becoming a huge issue. How can we promote posts in those areas? As the Acting Chair is from Donegal, he probably knows this more than anyone. How can we get people to take up these posts? We have many vacancies and it is becoming a massive issue. It is across a plethora of specialties now. It is not just a dental issue rather it is across the entire medical sector.

How could we get a strategy? I suggest we need a strategy looking at these locations from Donegal to west Cork and south Kerry, as the Minister of State rightly mentioned. What do we need to do? Do we need an incentive programme? Do we need to change the package? Do we need a taxation programme? If we do not do something different, the opportunity for these people in west Cork in particular and other locations to have a service, whether it is mental health or dental, will not be there. That will be one of the big issues and big challenges.