Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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Question 249: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if she will ensure that dental services and facilities for the disabled are improved in 2007. [19720/07]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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On the 25th September last, I was very pleased to announce the research and development of a new National Oral Health Policy. This new oral health strategy, the first such strategy in thirteen years, will be undertaken by the Department of Health and Children, in conjunction with the HSE. The development of this new national strategy will allow a critical examination of the many challenges and issues currently facing the dental sector in Ireland.

In developing this policy, it is intended to examine some of the following areas:

A revised regulatory regime for the dental sector in Ireland culminating in a new Dentists Act.

The integration of oral health in the wider health care delivery system to include enhance synergies with health promotion, children's health, primary care partnerships, disability services, long stay care and services for older people.

Competition issues as raised by the Competition Authority in its report/s on the dental profession in Ireland.

Manpower planning, specialization and skills-mix including the recognition and future expansion of role of auxiliary dental professions and the identification of appropriate training needs.

Examining the possibility of stream-lining the existing state-funded dental schemes.

Service delivery issues such as orthodontic services, and special needs dentistry.

In the context of the development of this new oral health policy I am committed to examining the level of services available to existing groups within our society including people with disabilities.

It is expected that the new National Oral Health Policy report will be available in Summer 2008.

Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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Question 250: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if she will ensure that organisations (details supplied) are supported in 2007. [19721/07]

Jimmy Devins (Sligo-North Leitrim, Fianna Fail)
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The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.