Written answers

Wednesday, 20 May 2020

Photo of Paul MurphyPaul Murphy (Dublin South West, RISE)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

672. To ask the Minister for Health the provisions put in place to meet the needs of the public and private dental care sectors and the dental profession during the Covid-19 crisis and after the Covid-19 restrictions have been lifted [5753/20]

Photo of Eoin Ó BroinEoin Ó Broin (Dublin Mid West, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

684. To ask the Minister for Health when orthodontic treatment will be able to resume safely. [5799/20]

Photo of Dara CallearyDara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

691. To ask the Minister for Health the financial supports being put in place to assist dentists during the Covid-19 emergency; his views on the future of dental care in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5807/20]

Photo of Willie O'DeaWillie O'Dea (Limerick City, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

699. To ask the Minister for Health when orthodontists will be allowed to open their practices. [5820/20]

Photo of Jennifer Murnane O'ConnorJennifer Murnane O'Connor (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

700. To ask the Minister for Health if assistance, financial or otherwise, will be provided to dental surgeries to cover the cost of PPE which will be required to be used as instructed by the Dental Council upon re-opening (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5821/20]

Photo of Charlie McConalogueCharlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

737. To ask the Minister for Health the assistance available to the dentistry profession (details supplied) during the Covid-19 crisis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6194/20]

Photo of Louise O'ReillyLouise O'Reilly (Dublin Fingal, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

753. To ask the Minister for Health the steps he is taking to assist dentists during the Covid-19 crisis; if they will be recompensated for PPE or provided with PPE by the State in order that they can continue to see patients; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6373/20]

Photo of Simon HarrisSimon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I propose to take Questions Nos. 672, 684, 691, 699, 700, 737 and 753 together.

The necessary legislative amendments have now been made and the Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) has worked with the dental profession and in particular the Dental Council, to provide revised guidance for the profession to allow for the resumption of the safe provision of routine care, including orthodontic care. This is in line with Phase 1 of the Government's Plan for the easing of COVID-19 restrictions, from 18 May.

The Government has put in place a suite of measures to support small, medium and larger businesses that are negatively impacted by COVID-19. The Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation has published a Return to Work Safely Protocol, which is designed to support employers and workers to put measures in place that will prevent the spread of COVID-19 in the workplace. The Health and Safety Authority also provides information and advice for employers and employees in this regard.

A national approach to the supply of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for the Public Dental Service of the HSE has been initiated. Dentists contracted by the HSE under the Dental Treatment Services Scheme can apply to the HSE for PPE. Additional PPE, above the normal PPE used in dentistry, may currently be required in certain instances depending on the occupational risk assessment of the dentist. However, the Dental Council is deliberating further on this and definitive clarification is awaited as to if and when such PPE may be required.

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.