Dental access for medical card holders
Imelda Munster complained that tens of thousands of medical card holders have been unable to access a dentist for almost two years and pressed for a date for action. The Taoiseach said extra budget funding has been allocated for dental access, especially for younger people, but the exchange became heated when no date was provided and he asked for restraint.
This is about the fifth time I have raised this issue. There are tens of thousands of medical card holders across the State who cannot access a dentist for almost two years now. Just think about that - almost two years without access to a dentist. What other western country, or government for that matter, would allow something like that to continue? There are people with serious illnesses, cancer, diabetes or complex dental needs. There are people living in pain. Who in government is taking responsibility? It is clear that it is not being prioritised. People are left almost two years without access to a dentist. Can the Taoiseach give a date to those people as to when they will be able to access their basic right in any civil society to have access to dental care? Can he give a date? Will it be before Christmas, for example?
As I said, I raised this five time before. I ask that the Taoiseach does not regurgitate the same response that he has given €10 million extra. People cannot access dental care. That is the issue. When will they be able to do it? Will they be able to do it before Christmas?
Comment on this
In the budget, the Minister has allocated further moneys for dental access, particularly for younger people. The Deputy mentioned cancer, for example, in the middle of that. Any person who requires dental work in relation to cancer of the mouth or whatever would not be waiting that length of time at all, nor should they be.
If the Deputy has cases, she could bring them-----
Comment on this
He has no date; he could not care less.