asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the fact that no new patients are being accepted for dental treatment in New Ross, County Wexford, under the scheme for medical card holders; that orthodontic treatment is not available to any category of patients; that the dental service for medical card holders in New Ross consists of a clinic on only three days per month; and the steps he proposes to take to bring this service up to an acceptable level.
Written Answers. - New Ross (Wexford) Dental Service.
234.
The South-Eastern Health Board, in common with most health boards, are only making emergency dental care available to adults at present and are using their resources to provide a dental service for children. The board provide a clinic in New Ross on three days per week at present. In relation to the provision of orthodontic treatment, the South-Eastern Health Board have been adversely affected by the difficulty in attracting candidates to fill the vacant posts of consultant orthodontist, one of which was intended for the South-Eastern Health Board. My Department are actively involved in an examination of the conditions of employment attached to these posts to see if they can be made more attractive. I am also considering the position about the numbers of adults awaiting routine treatment.
235.
asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the fact that a person (details supplied) in County Wexford who is a primary school pupil has been waiting two years for fitting of a dental brace; that no orthodontic services are being provided in New Ross for primary school pupils; and the steps he intends to take to rectify this situation.
I understand that the person mentioned will be called for screening of her orthodontic condition during the coming year and that her name will be placed on the appropriate waiting list in accordance with the gravity of her condition. The South-Eastern Health Board are planning to establish a regular orthodontic assessment service in New Ross starting in January.