We are all acutely aware of the shortage of GPs in Ireland and especially in rural Ireland, but the shortage of dentists and the few remaining in the medical card scheme is very frightening and scary. In some places, people have to travel three counties to get a dentist under the scheme. Remuneration has not been reorganised or reviewed in four decades. I salute dentists like Daniel O’Connell in Clonmel who have remained in the scheme, but many have chosen not to simply because it is unaffordable. What they get would not even cover the cost of anaesthetic. It is a very specialised area. It is important for everyone’s health but our children especially need treatment at an early age. It is shameful that this has not been looked at in the budget or in any shape, make or form. When will the Government review the stipend paid to dentists under the medical card scheme? It is so overdue and necessary.

I fully agree. It is absolutely essential we have the appropriate number of dentists to be able to provide a vital service to people, children and adults alike. The figures I just mentioned about a 23% increase of staff overall for our health service includes 9,300 nurses and midwives, 4,000 health and social care professionals but also 3,300 doctors and dentists, so funding has been provided to increase the overall numbers. I will ask the Minister to come back to the Deputy directly on his specific question.