I have been informed that schoolchildren within my constituency of Offaly, who should be seen by the HSE dental service three times before the age of 12, are actually only seeing a dentist for the first time when they are well into secondary school. These concerns were raised with me by the Irish Dental Association at an emergency meeting in Portlaoise three years ago. I was shocked to hear, however, how far the services have deteriorated since that time. We now know that children in Offaly are not receiving the first of their three dental checks until they are in transition year. There needs to be an immediate commencement of discussions with the Irish Dental Association to address the crisis in the recruitment and retention of dentists. In addition to this, an urgent ministerial direction to the Department of Health must be issued to commence independently chaired discussions with the Irish Dental Association on a new scheme to replace the medical card scheme. We cannot continue with this scenario. We need action on this matter.

I thank Deputy Nolan for highlighting this important issue. It is correct to say we are struggling with having enough dentists, both on the public side and, more broadly, to meet the need, particularly the developmental checks that are so important. While I am not aware of the specific case in Offaly, I would be glad if the Deputy might forward me the information so that I can be better informed. I have met initially in respect of this significant issue. There are a number of different new training programmes, especially the specific training programme the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland is opening at Connolly Hospital Blanchardstown which will be used to both train and treat at the same time. We have to use every lever we can to maximise dental services, particularly for children with their developmental checks. I would appreciate it if the Deputy would send me those details.