Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 11 Mar 1993

Vol. 427 No. 8

Written Answers. - Orthodontic Treatment.

Ivor Callely

Question:

215 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Health the number of children on the waiting lists for orthodontic treatment in each health board area for the years from 1989 to 1992; the special allocations, if any, which have been made available to address this matter; the progress which has been made on the waiting lists; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Health (Mr. Howlin)

Since 1991 an amount of £1 million has been included in the health boards' allocations each year to enable them to develop orthodontic services.

These special provisions have resulted in considerable improvements in the number of treatments provided in each board.

Consultant orthodontists have now been recruited to six of the eight health boards and the other two boards (Midland and North Eastern) have entered into arrangements with private specialists. In addition to their own clinical involvement, the newly recruited consultant orthodontists are in the process of organising and carrying out a programme of training in orthodotic procedures for existing health board dental staff. This will allow for further increases in treatment levels. Treatment is currently being provided for over 13,500 children.

The Government has provided an additional £2 million this year to provide for further improvements in dental services as part of theProgramme for a Partnership Government and a portion of this amount will be allocated to the orthodontic services.

The statistical information requested by the Deputy is being collated and I will forward it to him as quickly as possible.