Louth Senator Erin McGreehan has called for further resources to be allocated to dental services in Louth.

Senator McGreehan has made the call after figures from the HSE showed there is a waiting list of 2,899 6th class students for dental services in Louth in 2023-2024.

She said further resources are required for the sector, particularly in this year’s Budget, as children cannot afford to wait for dental care.

Senator McGreehan said: “Here in Louth, the numbers of children on a waiting list for dental services is simply too high.

“According to the HSE, in 2023-2024, 2,899 children in the county were on a waiting list.

“I recognise that nationally, the government is investing over €200 million annually in the provision of oral healthcare and is committed to reforming oral healthcare services through the implementation of the National Oral Health Policy.

“However, the situation in Louth is unacceptable.

“Budget 2025 is absolutely crucial to help ensure the oral healthcare sector gets as many resources allocated to it as possible. We need more dental surgeons in Louth, and if required, we should also look to support from the private sector.“

There are too many children on a waiting list for dental services and this needs to be addressed.”