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26 Mar 2026
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26 Mar 2026
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Laois independent TD Brian Stanley.
Laois TD Brian Stanley targeted Micheál Martin and his new Government over what he called an 'absolute scandal' in dental care for children on the day Mr Martin took up the job.
The independent TD highlighted a particular child health issue in Laois after the Dáil elected the Cork TD as Taoiseach.
"Schoolchildren who should have a dental check-up in third or fourth class in primary school are instead having one in fourth, fifth or sixth year in secondary school. This is happening in Co Laois. It is an absolute scandal.
"The dental treatment services scheme will continue to be non-existent in many counties, including Laois, because private dentists will not operate the scheme. The Taoiseach must get it into his head that public dentists have to be hired within the HSE system. That is the only way the service can be provided. Unfortunately, the private system is not working," he said.
The HSE runs dental screening service for primary school children. The programme offers dental check-ups and treatment to the children in some classes. The check-up will take place in a local HSE dental clinic.
The programme is supposed to provide a dental screening service for primary school children at its clinics and check-ups and treatment to the children in some classes.
Free dental services are available to adults over 16 years with a medical card through the Dental Treatment Service Scheme.
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