Vol. 419 No. 2
65 Mr. McGrath asked the Minister for Health if he will give details of the number of people awaiting orthodontic treatment in the Midland Health Board area; the number that are being treated at present; and if he will outline the steps, if any, he is taking to ensure that those children on the waiting list are treated before it is too late.
I understand from the Midland Health Board that the present position regarding orthodontic treatment in the area is as follows: undergoing treatment, 823; awaiting treatment, 916. The provision of services is a responsibility of the health board and my Department have made additional funds available to the board in recent years specifically for the development of the orthodontic services. A post of consultant orthodontist has been approved by my Department for the Midland Health Board but so far the board have not been successful in filling the post and have made alternative arrangements for the provision of specialist services. The health board will continue their efforts to fill the consultant post. The successful filling of the consultant post will further improve the orthodontic services provided by the board.
