82. Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Health if there are plans to expand or improve dental facilities in Cork North-West, including the delivery of a new or upgraded facilities to meet growing demand in towns such as Macroom, Kanturk, Mallow and Millstreet; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [64083/25]

Sentiment score: 0.22

Are there plans to expand or improve dental facilities, including clinics, in north-west Cork? Are there plans for new or upgraded facilities to meet the growing demands of towns like Macroom, Charleville, Kanturk, Mallow and Millstreet?

Sentiment score: 0.57

I thank the Minister for that update on dental services, particularly in north-west Cork, north Cork and mid-Cork. Certainly, there seems to be gaps in some areas where the DTSS is not available to many medical card holders. That is a serious issue we must try to alleviate. The number of contractors involved in the scheme has increased, but only slightly. As the Minister said, it is still not enough. I would like to see more people coming into that scheme and I would like it to be available for medical card holders. It is important to recognise the orthodontic team that works within the orthodontic service and not just dentists. The Minister mentioned the role of hygienists as well. I am very grateful that the Minister attended a conference in Cork last weekend to see that we can all work together collectively to ensure there is a robust orthodontic service for the people of Cork and Cork North-West going forward. It is critical that people look after dental health. It is publicly available here. It is important to avail of that service.

Sentiment score: 0.22

I thank the Minister for her response. I want to focus on the HSE dental services that are available to children and to adults with significant special care needs. The service provided over the last number of years has been challenged by the Covid-19 pandemic. There have been a number of challenges in terms of providing orthodontics, particularly in ensuring there are enough staff to support clinics right across Cork North-West. We have clinics in Charleville, Newmarket, Mallow and Macroom. We also have St. Finbarr's Hospital and the Cork University Dental School and Hospital in Wilton to support that. However, it has been quite challenging to get the school programmes back up and running. Obviously, there is an opportunity for children in second class and sixth class to avail of dental examinations and appointments. There has been some improvement. I encourage the Minister to see if we can work with the HSE to make more improvements in that regard and make more clinics available more locally. It is a challenge for people in Cork North-West to travel into the city to accommodate clinic appointments in St. Finbarr's Hospital or the dental hospital. More clinics around the vicinity of Cork North-West would be of huge benefit.

Sentiment score: 0.40