15/06/10

CORK East Labour TD Seán Sherlock has criticised Health Minister Mary Harney for limiting access to dentures for those with medical cards which he describes as ‘a basic human need'

His comments followed a reply to a parliamentary question which he tabled to the minister seeking clarification on plans for the withdrawal of the provision of teeth cleaning and dentures to those with medical cards under the Dental Treatment Services Scheme.

In her reply Minister Harney stated that the provision and repair of dentures had not been withdrawn but is being prioritised on the basis of ‘clinical emergency'.

 

"My view is that every dental case constitutes a clinical emergency particularly when it comes to the provision of dentures. I would consider the ability to eat a basic human. Anyone who wears dentures will tell you it is nigh impossible to manage without them.

 

This is not adhering to government policy and if this measure is about finding savings then it does not make sense to deny medical card patients the right to treatment in respect of dentures. To my mind this is a basic human need and the state can meet this cost. I have now gone back to the minister seeking a clear definition of what in her opinion constitutes a ‘clincial emergency'," stated Deputy Sherlock.

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