Michael Ring
Question:249 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of orthodontic surgeons employed by the Western Health Board; and if he will provide details of their location and the areas they cover. [7412/98]
Written Answers. - Orthodontic Service.
Michael Ring
Question:252 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children when an orthodontic surgeon will be appointed by the Western Health Board to cover the Belmullet area of County Mayo. [7415/98]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 249 and 252 together.
The Western Health Board provides secondary care orthodontic treatment services for its area through the consultant led orthodontic services unit at Merlin Park Regional Hospital. I understand from the board that the number of orthodontists and other dentists currently providing services at the unit is as follows: one consultant orthodontist, three dentists and one dentist part-time. In addition there is a vacancy for one dental post at the unit which the board hopes to have filled shortly.
Richard Bruton
Question:250 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Health and Children the planning schedule for the proposed regional orthodontic centre in Beaumont Hospital; when it will be opened; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7413/98]
I have been advised by the Eastern Health Board that the board has agreed in principle with the board of Beaumont Hospital to establish an orthodontic unit on the Beaumont campus. Discussions between the boards is on-going concerning a suitable site location. The Eastern Health Board is currently developing its brief for the project. The timescale for commencement and completion of the project has not yet been decided.
Michael Ring
Question:251 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children the length of the waiting list for orthodontic treatment in County Mayo for each of the years from 1994 to date; and the comparative figures for a county in the Eastern Health Board area. [7414/98]
Waiting lists for orthodontic treatment are maintained by the health boards who have statutory responsibility for the provision of orthodontic services. The information requested by the Deputy is not readily available in my Department. I have asked the Western and Eastern Health Boards for the information sought and I will write to the Deputy as soon as it is available.