asked the Minister for Health the number of people in the North Western Health Board area who are awaiting the provision of dentures the plans he has to clear this backlog; if he will give immediate approval to the establishment of senior clinical posts in this area; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Provision of Dentures.
202.
Eight hundred and thirty-five patients are on waiting lists for dentures in the North Western Health Board area. While this is a substantial case load it nevertheless reflects a considerable improvement on the position before the choice of dentist scheme was introduced.
Five hundred and twenty-one of these patients are in the Donegal community care area and determined efforts are being made to clear this backlog. Thus the waiting list in Buncrana has been cleared and resources are being concentrated upon Moville/Carndonagh where patient numbers are now highest. It is expected that the backlog in Moville/Carndonagh will be cleared within 12 months and in the remainder of Donegal within two to four months.
Treatment for the 314 patients on waiting lists in the Sligo/Leitrim community care area is proving more difficult largely because of staffing difficulties in the south Sligo area where the heaviest concentration of patients occurs. Three public dental officers retired last year, reducing the establishment from seven to four whole-time dentists. In addition, unlike other areas in the country where significant numbers are participating, dentists in private practice in Sligo city and its environs have elected not to participate in the choice of dentist scheme. However, every effort is being made to recruit public dental officers to fill the vacant posts. In addition a special effort is being made to encourage private dentists — particularly in the Sligo city area — to participate in the choice of dentist scheme.
Proposals for senior clinical posts in all health board areas are being processed at present and it is anticipated that the necessary approvals will issue shortly.