Western Board dental-service funding
Kitt says budget reductions leave the Western Board without an adult dental scheme, while the Minister disputes the claimed £4 million cut and says the board’s allocation rose by 5½ per cent. Allen again criticizes spending on training dentists who leave Ireland; the Chair then moves to priority questions.
As far as I am aware, the Minister has asked the health board to cut back almost £4 million in their budget. We must be the only health board in the country who have not an adult dental scheme. It is very difficult to provide a service when they are asked to cut back.
Comment on this
Time and time again I have indicated that this kind of mythical £4 million figure which is trotted out by public representatives has little bearing on reality. The health board have received an increase in their allocation for 1986. Inflation is running at 2.5 per cent and the health board allocations are up by 5½ per cent. They have money available to them.
