Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 24 Feb 1998

Vol. 487 No. 6

Written Answers - Orthodontic Service.

Richard Bruton

Question:

198 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Health and Children the current numbers of people in each category of priority waiting for orthodontic treatment in the Eastern Health Board; the expected number that will commence treatment in 1998; and if he can provide additional funding to make inroads into the waiting list. [4663/98]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Cowen)

The provision of orthodontic treatment to persons with entitlements under the Health Acts is the statutory responsibility of the health boards and the waiting lists for treatment are maintained by the health boards.

I have been advised by the Eastern Health Board of the following information in regard to Category I and Category II waiting lists for orthodontic treatment in its area:

Category of Patient	Number of Patients on Waiting List	Waiting Time
Category I	Nil	No waiting time for assessment or treatment
Category II	5,745	31-36 months

The Eastern Health Board is arranging to increase the number of dental staff assigned to the orthdontic service in 1998. It is not possible at present to predict the number that will commence treatment in 1998. The board will continue to develop its orthodontic service in accordance with the Dental Health Action Plan.