Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 4 Mar 1997

Vol. 475 No. 7

Written Answers. - Orthodontic Service.

Seamus Brennan

Question:

74 Mr. S. Brennan asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 14 who was assessed for orthodontic treatment in November 1996 after being five years on the waiting list and who was refused treatment under the public health system in February 1997, in view of alleged poor dental hygiene; if so, if he has satisfied himself with the decision of the health board in view of the severe orthodontic need in this case; if he will intervene with the health board to review the decision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5857/97]

Minister for Health (Mr. Noonan,

Limerick East): As the provision of orthodontic treatment to eligible persons in Dublin 14 is the statutory responsibility of the Eastern Health Board, I have asked the chief executive officer of the Eastern Health Board to investigate the position in relation to this case and to reply to the Deputy directly as a matter of urgency. It is not open to me to intervene with the health board in its decision on individual cases.