Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 23 Mar 1999

Vol. 502 No. 3

Written Answers. - Orthodontic Services.

Charles Flanagan

Question:

323 Mr. Flanagan asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of teenage children awaiting orthodontic treatment in the Midland Health Board area; and the average length of time an applicant is expected to wait from the date of approval to the date of treatment. [7713/99]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Cowen)

The provision of orthodontic treatment to eligible persons in the Midland Health Board area and the maintenance of waiting lists are the statutory responsibility of the Midland Health Board.

I have had inquiries made of the Midland Health Board. I understand that the number of teenage children on the waiting list is 645. The number of children on the waiting list at the end of 1997 was 711. The length of time on the waiting list depends on what age the teenage children are, when placed on the waiting list but the average waiting period is approximately two years.

Despite several attempts the Midland Health Board has not been successful to date in the recruitment of a consultant orthodontist. The board is continuing its efforts and is hopeful that it will be successful in the near future. The successful recruitment of a consultant orthodontist by the board should enable it to further increase treatment levels and further reduce waiting times.