Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 18 Feb 1997

Vol. 475 No. 1

Written Answers. - Dental Service.

Michael Bell

Question:

115 Mr. Bell asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the very substantial waiting list for detail treatment for children in the County Louth area of the North Eastern Health Board with particular reference to orthodontic treatment; if his attention has further been drawn to the grading system that children who are graded in the C grade are most unlikely to be given treatment in view of the serious nature of the waiting list; if he will provide funding to reduce this waiting list; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4170/97]

Michael Bell

Question:

128 Mr. Bell asked the Minister for Health the number by grade of Children in the County Louth area of the North Eastern Health Board who are on the waiting list for dental treatment; the approximate waiting time for treatment within each grade; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4225/97]

Minister for Health (Mr. Noonan,

Limerick East): I propose to take Questions Nos. 115 and 128 together.

The provision of dental treatment for children in the County Louth area is the statutory responsibility of the North-Eastern Health Board.

I have been advised by the board that there is no waiting list in the Louth area for routine treatment. Services are targeted at first class, fourth class and sixth class of national school. Children are examined in the clinics and treatment started within one to three weeks depending on activity level in the clinic. Treatment for the relief of pain is provided immediately.

The waiting list for orthodontic treatment as at the 12 February 1997 was as follows:

Category A	—21
Category B	—458
Category C	—Under 15 years — 341
	Over 15 years — 489

The average waiting time is as follows:

Category A	—Less than six months
Category B	—12 months
Category C	—55 per cent over two years and20 per cent over one year
	(under 15 years)
	Indefinite over 15 years

Limited numbers of category C patients are offered treatment where the North-Eastern Health Board dental surgeons feel competent in achieving a good result.

Further developments of the orthodontic services in the North-Eastern Health Board will be considered in the context of priorities determined by the board.