Vol. 496 No. 5
asked the Minister for
Health and Children the number of children on the Western Health Board waiting list for orthodontic treatment; the figures for November 1997; the average waiting time for this treatment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23267/98]
The provision of orthodontic treatment for eligible persons in the Western Health Board area and the maintenance of waiting lists is the statutory responsibility of the Western Health Board.
I have been advised by the Western Health Board that the number of children on the waiting list for orthodontic treatment is 3,723. A further 196 are awaiting assessment and will be placed on treatment waiting lists if their treatment need is in accordance with my Department's guidelines. The corresponding figures for orthodontic waiting lists in November 1997 was 2,974 for orthodontic treatment and 430 for assessment. The average waiting time for treatment is two to two and a half years.
