Fianna Fáil TD for Kerry Norma Foley has called for urgent action to ensure equality of access for people in need of emergency dental treatment.
Deputy Foley says she has been dealing with numerous people who have been unable to attend public emergency dental centres.
She explained, “These HSE clinics are currently providing services to children and adults with special needs, and I understand that a contingency plan has been developed to provide care for medical card holders. However, there is no access to adults who don’t qualify for a medical card.
“I am calling on the Minister for Health to clarify if adults, who do not have a medical card, can present at one of the HSE emergency dental clinics. If this is not an option, he needs to outline what action is being taken to ensure equality of access for them. I have written to the Minister to highlight this issue and am awaiting a reply.
“I would also like to see the establishment of a Dental Action Plan to support the profession into the future. We need to support our dentists and dental professionals in the aftermath of this pandemic and we will need a proactive and innovative suite of financial measures to ensure that the sector is protected. I have contacted Minister Paschal Donohoe to highlight the urgent need for such supports,” concluded Deputy Foley.
