Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 10 May 1994

Vol. 442 No. 5

Written Answers. - Orthodontic Treatment.

Michael Finucane

Question:

190 Mr. Finucane asked the Minister for Health the number of persons, by category, awaiting orthodontic treatment in the Mid-Western Health Board at present; the allocation made available to deal with these lists for 1994; the average waiting period at present; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Health (Mr. Howlin)

As the provision of orthodontic treatment is the responsibility of the Mid-Western Health Board I have asked the Chief Executive Officer of the Mid-Western Health Board to furnish the required information to the Deputy as a matter of urgency.

As I recently announced in the National Health Strategy the deficiencies in the public dental service will be tackled over the next four years in the context of an integrated dental development plan based on the principles of equity, quality of service and accountability.

At present my Department is addressing the detailed resource requirements for the phased implementation of the dental plan in conjunction with the health boards. My Department is in consultation with the Mid-Western Health Board regarding their requirements with a view to commencing the development plan for their area this year and over the period of the Programme for a Partnership Government as resources permit.