Seán Fleming (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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To ask the Minister for Health if he will outline on a county basis or an area basis in the Health Service Executive the class in which children in primary schools receive their first dental check; the steps he will take to ensure that there is an equal service countrywide; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54736/12]

Seán Fleming (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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To ask the Minister for Health the year in which children in primary schools in County Laois receive their first dental check; if he is satisfied that this is sufficient and should there be earlier checks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54737/12]

Alex White (Dublin South, Labour)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 128 and 129 together.

The Public Dental Service of the HSE provides dental services for children and patients with special needs. In the majority of areas children receive their first dental check between the ages of 6 and 8 years. Currently, in Laois/Offaly, Galway, Kerry and part of Cork (North Lee) the priority is emergency care, special needs and screening of children aged from 11 to 13 years. Once these priorities are addressed and subject to availability of resources, the HSE endeavours to provide screening to children between the ages of 6 and 8 years. The HSE Public Dental Service is currently being re-structured with areas being merged, e.g. Laois and Offaly. It is expected that the new structures will facilitate standardisation of services available nationally.