Minister for Health Rose Toki-Brown says Te Marae Ora (TMO) has a plan in place not only for Mangaia but for all Pa Enua to have dentists.

She made this statement in response to Opposition MP Tetangi Matapo’s question regarding lack of dentist on Mangaia.

Brown says they are not only looking at sending dentists but doctors as well to the Pa Enua.

She said a lot of qualified people especially from the Ministry of Health were leaving the country and the ministry is doing their best to cater for the needs of those in the outer islands.

Justice:

Minister for Justice Vaine (Mac) Mokoroa says the responsibility for the delay in court cases at the Ministry of Justice lies with the Police.

Mokoroa made this comment when Opposition MP Vaitoti Tupa asked who was responsible for these delays, referring to an article published in the Cook Islands News on March 18 titled “Judge slams Cook Islands criminal justice system”.

Mokoroa replied that the case mentioned in the article was settled by Justice Christopher Toogood and had been dismissed.

“The problem is not for the Ministry of Justice; the responsibility lies with the police because they are responsible to bring the charge to the court.”