asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the fact that a person (details supplied) in County Cavan who is attending Kilnaleck primary school, cannot eat properly due to the condition of his teeth and that he very badly needs orthodontic treatment; if his attention has further been drawn to the fact that the North Eastern Health Board are unable to provide the treatment and have suggested that he might be treated in Northern Ireland; if he will make inquiries about the matter; if it will be possible for him to arrange with the North Eastern Health Board that this person will be attended to without delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers - Orthodontic Treatment.
14.
The Deputy will be aware that the provision of orthodontic treatment has been a considerable cause of concern in the health services for some years past. In fact competitions held nationally by the Local Appointments Commission for health boards for positions of consultant orthodontists have been successful only in one instance in recent years. It is the intention to continue to endeavour to fill posts and in fact some health boards are now sponsoring the training of orthodontists. Discussions are also taking place between my Department and the Dublin Dental Hospital in an endeavour to increase the provision of orthodontic services for eligible patients.
In the specific case with which the Deputy is concerned I have been informed by the North Eastern Health Board that while the person in question has a serious orthodontic problem he is not a Category I Priority Case. The health board has stated that there are limitations of the types of orthodontic treatment which it at present can have carried out. In the circumstances which I have outlined I am sure the Deputy will appreciate the difficulties which the board have in providing orthodontic services.