I raise the issue of the dental treatment services scheme. We have heard from the Irish Dental Association this week that 260 dentists, that is, private practitioners, have disengaged from the service where people with medical cards can get dental care. It seems that it is now the case that 200,000 medical card holders will have difficulties or will not be able to receive timely care. My fear is that this will put additional pressure on the HSE's own services. We need a short-term solution as quickly as possible. I have also had people speak to me who operate in a residential care setting which deals with people with disabilities who are also impacted by this. We need a short-term solution and a wider solution for dental care across the board.

I thank the Deputy for raising this matter. This is a matter on which I do not have a note in front of me but I am aware that it is a matter that the Minister for Health is aware of and I will ask him revert to the Deputy on it.