Vol. 440 No. 4
350 Miss Harney asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the waiting lists for orthodontic treatment in the Eastern Health Board area; the plans, if any, he has to increase funding to the health board to help reduce this waiting list; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
In 1993 I allocated an additional £2 million for developments in the dental services including the development of orthodontic services.
This year I will provide further resources to the health boards to continue the development of orthodontic services.
The Eastern Health Board have made arrangements with the Dublin Dental Hospital for the development of consultant orthodontist services to meet the needs of both the Board and the Hospital. The successful expansion by the Board of their consultant services will considerably improve the orthodontic services provided by the Board.
My Department is in discussions with the Eastern Health Board regarding their requirements for the further development of their orthodontic services in 1994 and over the period of the Programme for a Partnership Government.
