Vol. 445 No. 6
447 Mr. McCormack asked the Minister for Health if he will provide statutory funding for the appointment of a second post of orthodontist to the Western Health Board; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [723/94]
Under my Department's strategy for the development of a consultant led secondary care orthodontic service the consultant orthodontist in addition to clinical duties will continue to organise and co-ordinate training for health board dentists so that a fully developed framework of orthodontic expertise is available to meet the needs of the area.
At present six health boards have recruited consultant orthodontists and the other two boards are continuing to attempt to recruit consultant orthodontists.
This year I have provided an additional £414,000 to the Western Health Board to fund the board's orthodontic service and it is the Department's priority to ensure that an equitable level of orthodontic service is provided throughout the country. In the circumstances I do not propose to create a second consultant orthodontist post in the Western Health Board.
