Cathal Byrne (Fine Gael)

I thank the Minister of State for attending the Chamber to hear this important motion introduced by my Fine Gael party colleagues. It is refreshing, having listened to many of the contributions that have been made across the Chamber, that there is cross-party unity on this issue that is important for so many people across the country.

At the outset, I will speak on the need for mobile dentistry units to be introduced specifically to deal with patients in nursing homes and those with mobility issues. This issue was highlighted to me while canvassing during the last general election. The point was made that the HSE does not currently provide a scheme, mechanism or programme for mobile dentistry units. It is not currently possible for people who have mobility issues and are not able to attend at a dental clinic or surgery, or those who are permanently living in a nursing home or residential institution, to avail of dentistry surgeries through the public system. Instead, they are dependent on having either private medical health insurance or a private provider giving up their own time and making mobile dentistry clinics available to them. When one considers the priorities under the Sláintecare model, which is to deliver timely surgeries and treatments at the best place, that currently does not exist. This motion is calling for that, and I am grateful to my colleagues in Fine Gael for accepting it to be included in this motion. One of the key principles under Sláintecare is the principle of equitable access to healthcare, and introducing a mobile dentistry unit would help with that.

I am struck by the fact that in 2017 it was the now Tánaiste and then Minister for Health, Simon Harris, who introduced the changes to PRSI to allow for free scale and polish services both for PAYE taxpayers and those who are self-employed. That was introduced to help to ensure there is equal access to dentistry services for adults.

When it comes to children, as has been highlighted by my colleagues, school-going children should have three dentist appointments. The HSE should set out a similar key target for people in nursing homes or residential institutions, or those who have mobility access issues, so they have the opportunity to avail of dentistry services and check-ups over the years. I would like the officials in the Department and the HSE to look at a pilot programme in this area.If we are to see this rolled out, we need a pilot programme in order that we can learn from what works and what does not. I am aware, as are many of my colleagues, of the issues relating to access to dentistry places and the training of and number of dentists and dental hygienists. However, there is an option for a pilot in this area that should be explored further.

I welcome the contributions from across the House in support of this motion. I want to put my full weight behind it.