Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 June 2026
878. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Health to prioritise oral health within the universal healthcare agenda, develop a detailed implementation strategy and ensure stakeholder buy-in (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47747/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am determined to ease the pressure people are facing now in accessing oral healthcare through the public system, in particular for children and adult medical card holders. My Department and the HSE are finalising a focused two-year action plan to deliver real improvements on the ground.
Over the next two years, the aim is to stabilise services, reduce waiting times, and make access measurably better for patients while laying the groundwork for longer-term reform. This will be achieved by initiatives such as utilising the newly available capacity that the new surgical hubs will provide as they continue to come onstream to enable reductions in waiting times for GA (General Anaesthetic) access for patients – both children and adults.
My Department and HSE officials have already initiated engagements with many of the stakeholders that will have important roles in enabling much better access to dental services across the country.
Recent engagements with for example, the Irish Dental Association (IDA), the Irish Dental Hygienists Association (IDHA) and the Dental Council have ranged from addressing waiting lists and delivering near term improvements to the schools program, to improving the supply of dental team members by exploring innovative ways of broadening the educational and training options for both hygienists and dental nurses. We will also be consulting with colleagues in DFHERIS on educational opportunities for both the current and future dental workforce.
