Donegal Deputy Charles Ward has highlighted issues with the Cross Border Directive Scheme for Donegal constituents availing of dental treatments.
The Donegal Deputy said: “Many children in Donegal are forced to go across the border to access essential dental treatment. This is not for cosmetic procedures, Minister, but for essential treatments, and many families are not aware of how to access the Cross Border Directive Scheme.”
Deputy Ward claimed that the application process for the scheme can be ‘complex’ and ‘confusing’, with many of his constituents feeling ‘misled’ or ‘unclear’ about eligibility requirements.
He said: “Some of the requirements to ensure reimbursement are unnecessary and frankly ridiculous, and many people are unaware of these requirements, believing that their application and confirmation from the clinic would be enough to secure reimbursement, and it should be. Small, insignificant errors have left multiple families with unexpected bills. It’s not fair.”
The Ombudsman, Ger Deering, has previously criticised the HSE for their ‘unreasonable and inflexible approach’ in administering schemes that fund treatment abroad for healthcare which the State is either unable to provide, or unable to provide in a timely manner in Ireland.
Deputy Ward also highlighted the severe lack of dentists in the State, insisting that a new dental school must be established in the North West.
He said: “I don’t believe we can properly address issues in the public or private dental sector, particularly in rural areas, without the establishment of a dental school in the North West. The Atlantic Technological University has been steadily growing and developing new courses all the time. The University should be supported in establishing a dental school to address the staff shortages and clinic closures we are seeing across the country.”
The 100% Redress Party TD stated: “The government needs to ensure significant investment in the upcoming budget. Oral health has too often been left behind in health budgets, despite the fact that so many oral health issues are preventable if early intervention is available. But like everything, this government sits on its hands and allows issues to grow and fester until we have a full on crisis on our hands. It is time to break this vicious cycle.”