If someone is on a medical card, it is close to impossible to be seen by a dentist, as things stand. I have seen some new figures for the Cork area.

In 2019, there were 287 dentists on the dental treatment service scheme, DTSS. There are now just 188. In my area, south Lee, there has been a 44% reduction during the same period, from 108 dentists to just 60. This has caused problems, in particular in Carrigaline, but also in other parts of my constituency, across Cork and throughout the country. It is becoming increasingly difficult to find dentists. It is not only individuals and families who will pay a price for this down the road but also the system as dental ill-health increases. The DTSS clearly needs to be reviewed and a modern up-to-date contract is needed. It is profoundly impacting the dental health of people in my constituency and across the country and urgently needs to be reviewed.

I thank the Deputy for raising this serious issue, which is one I discussed with the Minister for Health on Monday, I think, at the meeting of the Cabinet committee on health. There may well be a particular challenge in Carrigaline and in parts of Cork but the Deputy is right to suggest that it is a more national challenge. I know the Minister for Health and his Department have given consideration to what measures can be taken. We can point to increased number of dentists, etc., but that misses the point in terms of the number of people on the medical card who are reliant on the DTSS. I know the Department of Health is giving policy consideration to what steps can be taken. I will ask the Minister for Health to revert to the Deputy directly.