Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 28 Apr 1999

Vol. 503 No. 7

Written Answers. - Orthodontic Services.

Jimmy Deenihan

Question:

98 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Health and Children the waiting periods for persons on the treatment waiting list for orthodontic treatment in each of the health board regions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11132/99]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Cowen)

The provision of orthodontic treatment to eligible persons under the Health Acts and the maintenance of waiting lists are the statutory responsibility of the health boards.

I have had inquiries made of the health boards and the information requested is as follows:

Health Board	Average Waiting Periodfor Treatment
Eastern	No waiting period for treatment3 years 10 months for assessment
Midland	18 months
Mid-Western	1 year
North-Eastern	2.4 years
North-Western	12 – 30 months
South-Eastern	18 months
Southern	2.5 years
Western	2.5 years

The orthodontic services continue to be developed in accordance with the dental health action plan. The action plan provides for the development by each health board of a consultant-led orthodontic service. This ensures a service of high quality and high service levels.

At the suggestion of my Department, an orthodontic review group was set up by the health boards to prepare a report and make recommendations on the orthodontic services. The objective of this review is to ensure equity in the provision of orthodontic treatment throughout the health boards having regard to the additional resources provided to health boards over the past few years under the dental health action plan.

The group recently made a report to the chief executive officers of the health boards and this report is currently the subject of discussions between the chief executive officers of the health boards and my Department.