Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 14 May 1996

Vol. 465 No. 3

Written Answers. - Orthodontic Treatment.

Noel Ahern

Question:

107 Mr. N. Ahern asked the Minister for Health if he will introduce a system whereby parents who go for private orthodontic treatment will be grant aided according to the category of case or level of severity of the patient in view of the inability of the Eastern Health Board to deal with the number of children approved for orthodontic treatment. [9484/96]

Minister for Health (Mr. Noonan,

Limerick East): I do not intend to introduce a grant in respect of orthodontic treatment provided privately.

The Health Strategy and the Dental Health Action Plan provide for the phased improvement of orthodontic treatment services through the development of consultant led orthodontic services and dental support staff employed by the health boards.