Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 25 Mar 1998

Vol. 489 No. 1

Written Answers. - Orthodontic Service.

Pat Rabbitte

Question:

104 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for Health and Children if his attention has been drawn to the serious difficulties created for the orthodontic department at St. James's Hospital, Dublin 8, by the unwillingness of the Dublin Dental Hospital to agree to the establishment of training pathways between the two units, which would allow staff at St. James's to attend lectures one day per fortnight while continuing to provide a service; the steps, if any, he will take to ensure that training requirements are facilitated by the Dental Hospital in view of the important service the orthodontic department at St. James's is providing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7587/98]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Cowen)

I am concerned to ensure that postgraduate training programmes of both dental schools in orthodontics and other disciplines adequately reflect current and future needs of the public dental service under the health strategy and the dental health action plan. My Department has commenced discussions with the chief executive officer of the Eastern Health Board concerning the role of the Dublin Dental Hospital and School in the provision of training in orthodontics for the health board staff and has also met with representatives of the Irish Consultant Orthodontists' Group to hear their views on postgraduate training requirements in orthodontics. My Department has also made arrangements to meet with the Dublin Dental Hospital and School on the issue.

The orthodontic review group, a group set up by the health boards at the suggestion of my Department, has examined issues in relation to training in orthodontics and will include recommendations in its report. This group, which includes health board consultant orthodontists, is due to report to the chief executive officers of the health boards in the near future. Following the developments which I have outlined I will, as necessary, consult with my colleague, Deputy Micheál Martin, Minister for Education and Science, to ensure that adequate postgraduate training programmes are provided by both dental schools.