Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 23 Nov 1999

Vol. 511 No. 3

Written Answers. - Orthodontic Service.

Liam Aylward

Question:

209 Mr. Aylward asked the Minister for Health and Children if additional staff will be appointed to deal with the backlog of cases where school children are awaiting assessment for dental and orthodontic treatment in the Kilkenny region of the South Eastern Health Board; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24165/99]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Cowen)

The provision of dental and orthodontic services and the maintenance of waiting lists are the statutory responsibility of the health boards.

I understand from the South Eastern Health Board that their dental teams in the Kilkenny area are currently working on the 1998-99 school lists and there are 1,528 pupils awaiting screening and assessment for the provision of dental treatment as may be necessary. The health board dental service has had a high level of staff turnover which has impeded progress somewhat. However, the health board is continuing to endeavour to improve the service.

The waiting list for orthodontic assessment in the Kilkenny area currently stands at eight months with a two year waiting time for treatment at Waterford Regional Hospital. In addition to the existing service, the board has recently arranged to have a dentist from Waterford Regional Hospital reassigned for two days per month to work in the Carlow-Kilkenny area and this should help to reduce the waiting list. The board is also considering making arrangements with a private practitioner to undertake additional sessions which would help to reduce the waiting list for treatments.