asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the fact that a person (details supplied) in County Dublin, who was diagnosed by a school dentist in 1986 as having a condition which without urgent orthodontic surgery could result in irreversible facial disfigurement, is still awaiting an appointment for orthodontic assessment; that his family have been informed that he is last on a waiting list of 3,500 schoolchildren awaiting urgent orthodontic treatment and may have to wait four years for an appointment; if he will take steps to arrange an immediate orthodontic assessment for this child; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Orthodontic Surgery.
159.
The person in question was assessed by the Eastern Health Board's visiting orthodontist on 23 November 1988, following which his name was placed on the boards waiting list for orthodontic treatment. The Eastern Health Board are making every effort to improve the availability of orthodontic treatment for those on the waiting list.