Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 16 Nov 1993

Vol. 435 No. 9

Written Answers. - Orthodontic Treatment.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

56 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Health whether he has satisfied himself with the progress to date on the treatment of orthodontic cases; whether the extra funds he made available for dealing with the problem have had sufficient impact; the number of categories 1 or 2 patients who have sought or obtained private treatment; and if he will make a statement on the matter with particular reference to medical card holders who may have had such treatment.

Minister for Health (Mr. Howlin)

The successful recruitment by health boards of consultant orthodontists has enabled boards to make considerable improvements in the development of orthodontic services.

A primary task of the consultant orthodontist is the organisation and co-ordination of orthodontic training for existing health board dental staff and so ensuring that there will be further improvements in service levels. I have made an additional £0.7m available to health boards in 1993 to assist them in developing their orthodontic training programmes and to improve service levels and I intend to make extra funds available over the period of the Programme for Government for the further development of the orthodontic services.

There is no information available to my Department on the numbers of persons from the orthodontic waiting lists who make private arrangements for the provision of treatment. The making of any such arrangements is entirely a matter for the persons concerned.