Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I appreciate that. I know of the Minister's concern for children with complex and additional needs. I will read a communication that I saw from a parent of a child who got dental treatment.

The parent wrote:

I feel saddened that those with special needs and who may be non-verbal can often suffer in silence, distress and anxiety due to pain, sadly [my son] suffered for a while before we realised what was wrong. In an ideal world it would be great if those with special needs had scheduled check-ups so that extreme pain that [my son] experienced could be avoided. It really worries me that those needing special care may be overlooked.

I know of the Minister's concern for children and adults with additional needs. Will he ensure the Department and the HSE pay attention to the needs of people with additional needs such that they will get the regular dental screening and routine check-ups they need?

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