Vol. 471 No. 2
92 Mr. S. Brennan asked the Minister for Health if he will provide a copy of the guidelines in respect of the provision of orthodontic services which were issued to health boards by his Department in 1985; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20608/96]
Limerick East): I have forwarded a copy of my Department's 1985 guidelines on the provision of secondary care orthodontic treatment to Deputy Brennan as requested.
Having regard to the provisions outlined in the health strategy, the Dental Health Action Plan and the additional resources provided to health boards over the past few years for developments in the orthdontic services, I have asked my Department in consultation with the health boards and their consultant orthodontists to review the 1985 guidelines. The objectives of this review are to ensure equity in the provision of orthodontic treatment throughout the health boards and reduce the waiting time for treatment, having regard to the resources available to the boards. This review is at present under way.
