Vol. 399 No. 10
142 Mr. McGrath asked the Minister for Health if he will outline the number of persons awaiting orthodontic treatment in County Westmeath; the average waiting time for such treatment; and if he proposes to make more available to the Midland Health Board to clear the long waiting lists.
At present there are 358 children on the County Westmeath waiting list for orthodontic treatment. The waiting time is between 12 and 18 months. In recent months the Government have provided an additional allocation of £1 million for the treatment of top priority orthodontic cases, including children from the Midland Health Board and supplementing moneys already allocated by the health boards for orthodontic treatment.
The Department of Health are closely monitoring progress being made in the current year to reduce the orthodontic waiting lists and will take further action as necessary.
