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Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 15 Feb 2000

Vol. 514 No. 3

Written Answers. - Orthodontic Service.

Richard Bruton

Question:

216 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of times orthodontic staff positions have been advertised in the Eastern Health Board area in the past three years; the number of posts which have been filled; if he has satisfied himself that the conditions being offered are sufficiently attractive to facilitate recruitment; and if he will introduce new conditions to facilitate recruitment. [4226/00]

The provision of orthodontic treatment in the Eastern Health Board area is the statutory responsibility of the Eastern Health Board.

I understand that no orthodontic posts have been advertised in the Eastern Health Board over the past three years. Two vacancies which arose in the past twelve months have not yet been filled due to difficulties experienced with the consultant orthodontist. However, it is intended to recruit to these positions in the coming weeks.

In conjunction with the development of their two new regional orthodontic units at Loughlinstown and Beaumont, the Eastern Health Board intend to recruit two additional consultant orthodontists and these posts will be advertised by the Local Appointments Commission shortly. The board will also be advertising for five staff for the regional orthodontic unit at Loughlinstown in the coming weeks.
Consent has been given to the Dental Council for the establishment of a register of dental specialists and for the recognition of a dental speciality in orthodontics and my Department is at present considering the creation of a grade of specialist orthodontist for the health board services. The creation of a grade of specialist orthodontist for appointment to health boards should facilitate recruitment to the orthodontic services.
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