Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 18 May 1999

Vol. 504 No. 7

Written Answers. - Orthodontic Services.

Seán Haughey

Question:

208 Mr. Haughey asked the Minister for Health and Children the plans, if any, he has to improve the level of orthodontic services provided by the Eastern Health Board by the recruitment of more orthodontists and the provision of an orthodontic clinic in Beaumont Hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12578/99]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Cowen)

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.

The provision of orthodontic services for eligible persons in the Eastern Health Board area is the statutory responsibility of the health board. The Eastern Health Board's consultant led regional orthodontic unit opened at St. James's Hospital in 1996. I have been advised by the board that since the introduction of its consultant led orthodontic services significant progress has been made in reducing waiting lists and waiting times. Over the past three years, the Category 1 waiting list has been eliminated, the Category 2 waiting list has decreased from 10,676 in 1996 to 6,649 in 1999 and the average waiting time has reduced by two years and is now three years and ten months.

The board has recently completed a planning brief for the proposed regional orthodontic unit at Beaumont Hospital and has submitted this brief to my Department for consideration and approval. The brief will be the subject of discussions between the Eastern Health Board and officials of my Department in the near future.