I understand from the North-Eastern Health Board that while only 15 children were undergoing courses of fixed appliance orthodontic therapy early in 1990, by the end of 1990 treatment had commenced on 595 children, as a result of funding provided in the special budget allocation for dental services. As the Deputy will be aware these courses of treatment are of their nature protracted, taking on average 18 to 24 months to complete.
Arrangements are now being made by the board to commence a significant number of further cases in the near future as a result of further funds provided in this year's budget.