asked the Minister for Health when his Department will sanction orthodontic treatment for a child (details supplied) in Ballinasloe, County Galway, who was examined in November 1981.
Written Answers. - Orthodontic Treatment.
358.
Although there is a waiting list for orthodontic treatment in the Western Health Board area, the child in question is now in a position where approval to proceed with treatment would normally be given. However, the specific type of orthodontic treatment required — fixed appliance therapy — is one for which the Department of Health have been seeking to get agreement on a scale of charges for the service with representatives of the private orthodontists who provide the service on behalf of the health boards. The absence of an agreed scale of charges has led to a hold-up in the issue of authorisations for treatment. I am hopeful, however, that agreement will be reached shortly on a scale of charges so that treatments can again be proceeded with.